Modified tgf-beta oligonucleotide for use in a method of preventing and/or treating an ophthalmic disease

ABSTRACT

The invention refers to an oligonucleotide consisting of 10 to 20 nucleotides of selected regions of the TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2 or TGF-beta3 nucleic acid sequence, which comprises modified nucleotides such as LNA, ENA, polyalkylene oxide-, 2′-fluoro, 2′-O-methoxy and/or 2′-O-methyl modified nucleotides. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such oligonucleotide, wherein the composition or the oligonucleotide is used in a method for the prevention and/or treatment of glaucoma, posterior capsular opacification, dry eye, Marfan or Loeys-Dietz syndrome, riboblastoma, choroidcarcinoma, macular degeneration, such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular endma, or cataract.

The invention is directed to a TGF-beta oligonucleotide comprising a bridged nucleotide, polyalkylene oxide-, 2′-fluoro, 2′-O-methoxy and/or 2′-O-methyl modified nucleotide for use in a method of preventing and/or treating an ophthalmic disease.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), a multifunctional growth factor that for example controls proliferation or cellular differentiation, is one of the most important ligands involved in the regulation of cell behavior in ocular tissues in physiological or pathological processes of development or tissue repair, although various other growth factors are also involved. Increased activity of this ligand may induce unfavorable inflammatory responses and tissue fibrosis. In mammals, three isoforms of TGF-beta, that is beta1, beta2, and beta3, are known. In most cases, TGF-beta enhances extracellular matrix production and suppresses cell proliferation. Moreover, TGF-beta is capable of inducing a number of growth factors, that is connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), as well as TGF-beta1 itself. All these factors have important roles in restoration of normal tissue following injury.

The aqueous humor that bathes the inner ocular structures (corneal endothelium, iris, crystalline lens, trabecular meshwork, and retina) contains various cytokines and growth factors. TGF-beta, in particular TGF-beta2, is the predominant cytokine. Physiologically, TGF-beta is mainly produced in the ciliary epithelium and lens epithelium as a latent, inactive, form consisting of mature TGF-beta, the latency-associated peptide (LAP) (small latent form), and the latent-TGF-beta-binding protein (LTBP). Heterogeneous expression patterns of each TGF-beta isoform in the crystalline lens have been reported in humans and animals. During the clinical course of various ocular diseases, the concentration of TGF-beta2 in the aqueous humor changes. For example, in an eye with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), a disorder of post-retinal detachment and retinal fibrosis, the concentration of TGF-beta2 in the vitreous humor increases in association with the progression of retinal fibrosis. The concentration of total and active TGF-beta2 is also higher in patients with diabetic retinopathy and open-angle glaucoma than in normal subjects. In diabetic retinopathy, chronic obstruction of retinal microvessels induces upregulation of VEGF and chemotaxis of macrophages, a potent source of TGF-beta. VEGF and TGF-beta cooperate to induce both retinal neovascularization and fibrosis around these new vessels, which may potentially cause retinal detachment or bleeding. Increased TGF-beta2 levels induce matrix expression and deposition in trabecular meshwork cells, leading to obstruction of the aqueous drainage route and an increase of intraocular pressure in a glaucomatous eye. In each of these examples, TGF-beta plays a role in disease pathogenesis. In eyes with pseudoexforiation syndrome, a kind of glaucoma with deposition of exforiative material on the lens, iris, or trabecular meshwork, the level of TGF-beta1 increases, but the exact role of TGF-beta1 in the pathogenesis of this disease is unknown (see Shizuya Saika, Laborartory Investigation (2006), 86, 106-115).

TGF-beta is one of the most potent regulators of the production and deposition of extracellular matrix. It stimulates the production and affects the adhesive properties of the extracellular matrix by two major mechanisms. First, TGF-beta stimulates fibroblasts and other cells to produce extracellular-matrix proteins and cell-adhesion proteins, including collagen, fibronectin, and integrins. Second, TGF-beta decreases the production of enzymes that degrade the extracellular matrix, including collagenase, heparinase, and stromelysin, and increases the production of proteins that inhibit enzymes that degrade the extracellular matrix, including plasminogen-activator inhibitor type 1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease. The net effect of these changes is to increase the production of extracellular-matrix proteins and either to increase or to decrease the adhesive properties of cells in a cell-specific manner (see Blobe G C et al., May 2000, “Role of transforming growth factor beta in human disease”, N. Engl. J. Med. 342 (18), 1350-1358).

Targeting TGF-beta has been proposed as a potential therapeutic measure for example in glaucoma. Concerning various aspects of TGF-beta in the pathogenesis of glaucoma, therapies should be directed to modulate its production, activation, interaction with receptors, downstream intracellular regulatory mechanisms and/or the final structural and ECM changes (see Prendes M A et al., Br J Ophthalmol (2013), 97, 680-686).

Glaucoma (GCM), based upon chronically increased intraocular pressure, is a progressive optic neuropathy characterized by progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells, which manifests clinically with loss of optic disc neuroretinal rim tissue, defects in the retinal nerve fiber layer, and deficits on functional visual field testing (see Danesh-Meyer et al., Ophthalmol. 2006, 113: 603-611). Glaucoma is the second leading cause for blindness in the adult in the USA. Despite a multitude of treatment options, including surgical procedures in referactory patients, blindness remains a major threat. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form of glaucoma in the USA. Worldwide, in the year 2000 the number of people with POAG has been estimated at nearly 66.8 million with 6.7 million having bilateral blindness (see Quingley, Br J Ophthalmol. 1996 May; 80(5):389-393).

Cataract surgery is the most common ophthalmic surgical procedure. Alone in the USA, up to 3.000.000 cataract surgeries are performed per year. The US government spends currently more than USD 3 billion per year on treating cataract (Medicare patients only). The lens of the eye is removed by the procedure, and an intraocular lens is implanted. The lens capsule remains in situ, and the posterior part of the capsule frequently develops posterior capsule opacification (PCO) due to mechanical disruption and potential other factors associated with lens replacement. This condition occurs in 20 to 40% of PCO patients, YAG-laser posterior capsulotomy (rates depend on country, lens type used and surgical experience) is performed within the first two years, to remove the opacification (see Johansson B et al., Br J Ophthalmol (2010), 94, 450-455; Mathew R G et al., Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging (2010), 41, 651-655). The use of the YAG-laser is associated with distinct risks, including retinal detachment (1-3%), cystoid macular oedema (up to 5%) and secondary glaucoma (see Billotte C and Berdeaux G, J Cataract Refract Surg (2004), 30(10), 2064-2071).

TGF-beta has been closely associated with the pathophysiology of both, GCM and PCO; so far, the effect of the TGF-beta protein has been inhibited by ALK5 inhibitors as for example described in WO 2009/146408 or antibodies directed to TGF-beta, i.e., one of its isoforms, which are disclosed for example in WO 2012/167143. None of these compounds has so far been successful in effective inhibiting TGF-beta in the eye, and thus, to be successful in the prevention and/or treatment of ophthalmic diseases such as GCM or PCO.

It is the objective of the present invention to provide an oligonucleotide, preferably an antisense oligonucleotide, which is specifically inhibiting the expression of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and/or TGF-beta3 mRNA, TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA, or TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta3 mRNA, or TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3 mRNA, and consequently is highly efficient for use in prevention and/or treatment of an ophthalmic disease without causing any (severe) side effects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention refers to the use of a TGF-beta oligonucleotides, preferably a TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and/or TGF-beta3 antisense oligonucleotide for use in a method for treating an ophthalmic disease such as dry eye, glaucoma or posterior capsule opacification.

The TGF-beta oligonucleotide consists of 10 to 20, preferably 12 to 18 nucleotides of the TGF-beta1 nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 1 (see FIG. 1), or of the TGF-beta2 nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 2 (see FIG. 2), or of the TGF-beta3 nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 3 (see FIG. 3), wherein one or more nucleotide(s) of the oligonucleotide is/are modified. Some of the oligonucleotides of the present invention correspond to TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and TGF-beta3, or to TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2, or TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta3, or TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3, and hybridize with one or more of these sequences.

In particular, oligonucleotides for use in the present invention comprise or consist of 10 to 20, more preferred of 12 to 18 nucleotides of the region of nucleic acid no. 1380 to 1510 of SEQ ID NO. 2, wherein one or more nucleotide(s) of the oligonucleotide is/are modified. These oligonucleotides are highly effective in the reduction and inhibition of TGF-beta2 expression and activity, respectively. A preferred oligonucleotide comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 5 (e.g., ASPH36: GACCAGATGCAGGA), SEQ ID NO. 6 (e.g., ASPH80: GCGACCGTGACCAGAT), SEQ ID NO. 7 (e.g., ASPH98: GCGCGACCGTGACC), SEQ ID NO. 8 (e.g., ASPH111: AGCGCGACCGTGA), or SEQ ID NO. 9 (e.g., ASPH121 or ASPH153: GACCGTGACCAGAT), SEQ ID NO. 10 (e.g., ASPH15: CTGCCCGCGGAT), SEQ ID NO. 11 (e.g., ASPH17: TCTGCCCGCGGAT), SEQ ID NO. 12 (e.g., ASPH26 or ASPH27: GGATCTGCCCGCGGA), SEQ ID NO. 13 (e.g., ASPH37: CTTGCTCAGGATCTGCC), SEQ ID NO. 14 (e.g., ASPH52 or 53: GCTCAGGATCTGCCCGCGGA), SEQ ID NO. 15 (e.g., ASPH112: GGATCGCCTCGAT), SEQ ID NO. 16 (e.g., ASPH119: CCGCGGATCGCC), or SEQ ID NO. 34 (e.g., ASPH30: CGATCCTCTTGCGCAT).

In another embodiment the invention refers to an oligonucleotide, comprising or consisting of 10 to 20, more preferred of 12 to 18 nucleotides of the region of nucleic acid no. 2740 to 2810 of the TGF-beta2 nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 2 wherein one or more nucleotide(s) of the oligonucleotide is/are modified. These oligonucleotides are highly effective in the reduction and inhibition of TGF-beta2 expression and activity, respectively. A preferred oligonucleotide comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 60 (e.g., ASPH65: TCTGAACTAGTACCGCC), SEQ ID NO. 76 (e.g., ASPH82: AACTAGTACCGCCTTT), or SEQ ID NO. 106 (e.g., ASPH115: CTAGTACCGCCTT).

In a further embodiment the invention refers to an oligonucleotide, comprising or consisting of 10 to 20, more preferred of 12 to 18 nucleotides of the region of nucleic acid no. 1660 to 1680 of the TGF-beta2 nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 2 wherein one or more nucleotide(s) of the oligonucleotide is/are modified. These oligonucleotides are highly effective in the reduction and inhibition of TGF-beta1 and/or TGF-beta2 expression and activity, respectively. A preferred oligonucleotide comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 17 (e.g., ASHP01 or ASPH02: ACCTCCTTGGCGTAGTA), SEQ ID NO. 18 (e.g., ASPH03 or ASPH04: CCTCCTTGGCGTAGTA), SEQ ID NO. 19 (e.g., ASPH05, ASPH06, or ASPH07: CTCCTTGGCGTAGTA), or SEQ ID NO.20 (e.g., ASPH08: TCCTTGGCGTAGTA).

In another embodiment the invention relates to an oligonucleotide, comprising or consisting of 10 to 20, more preferred of 12 to 18 nucleotides, most preferably 13 nucleotides of the region of nucleic acid no. 2390 to 2410 of the TGF-beta2 nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 2 wherein one or more nucleotide(s) of the oligonucleotide is/are modified. These oligonucleotides are highly effective in the reduction and inhibition of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and/or TGF-beta3 expression and activity, respectively. A preferred oligonucleotide comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 21 (e.g., ASPH9 or ASPH10: CAGAAGTTGGCAT).

In another embodiment the invention relates to an oligonucleotide, comprising or consisting of 10 to 20, more preferred of 12 to 18 nucleotides of the TGF-beta2 nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 2 wherein one or more nucleotide(s) of the oligonucleotide is/are modified. These oligonucleotides are highly effective in the reduction and inhibition of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and/or TGF-beta3, most preferably of TGF-beta2 expression and activity, respectively. A preferred oligonucleotide comprises or consists of one of SEQ ID NO. 22 to 59, 61 to 75, 77 to 105, 107 to 140 (e.g., ASHP11-ASPH14, ASPH16, ASPH18-ASPH25, ASPH28-ASPH35, ASPH38-ASPH51, ASPH60-ASPH64, ASPH66-ASPH79, ASPH81, ASPH83-ASPH97, ASPH99-ASPH110, ASPH113, ASPH114, ASPH116-ASPH118, ASPH120, ASPH122-ASPH152, ASPH154-ASPH183, or T-LNA (SEQ ID NO: 144)).

Preferred oligonucleotides of the present invention are ASPH01, ASPH03, ASPH05, ASPH17, ASPH22, ASPH26, ASPH27, ASPH35, ASPH36, ASPH37, ASPH45, ASPH47, ASPH48, ASPH65, ASPH69, ASPH71, ASPH80, ASPH82, ASPH98, ASPH105, ASPH115, ASPH190, ASPH191, ASPH192, and ASPH193, respectively.

Further preferred oligonucleotides of the present invention are ASPH1000 to ASPH1132 as shown in Table 1, which preferably inhibit the expression and/or activity of TGFbeta1 mRNA. Preferred oligonucleotides this group are for example ASPH1047, ASPH1051, ASPH1059, ASPH1106, ASPH1139, ASPH1150, ASPH1162, ASPH1163, ASPH1175, ASPH1178, and ASPH1181, respectively.

In an alternative embodiment oligonucleotides are preferably inhibiting the expression and/or activity of TGF-beta3 mRNA. Such oligonucleotides are for example ASPH2000, ASPH2001, ASPH2002, ASPH2003, ASPH2004, ASPH2005, ASPH2006, ASPH2007, ASPH2008, ASPH2009, ASPH2010, ASPH2011, ASPH2012, ASPH2013, ASPH2014, ASPH2015, ASPH2016, ASPH2017, ASPH2018, ASPH2019, ASPH2020, ASPH2021, ASPH2022, ASPH2023, ASPH2024, ASPH2025, ASPH2026, ASPH2027, ASPH2028, ASPH2029, ASPH2030, ASPH2031, ASPH2032, ASPH2033, ASPH2034, ASPH2035, ASPH2036, ASPH2037, ASPH2038, ASPH2039, ASPH2040, ASPH2041, ASPH2042, ASPH2043, ASPH2044, ASPH2045, ASPH2046, ASPH2047, ASPH2048, ASPH2049, ASPH2050, ASPH2051, ASPH2052, ASPH2053, ASPH2054, ASPH2055, ASPH2056, ASPH2057, ASPH2058, ASPH2059, ASPH2060, ASPH2061, ASPH2062, ASPH2063, ASPH2064, ASPH2065, and ASPH2066, respectively.

Oligonucleotides of the present invention show an unexpected strong and specific inhibition of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, or TGF-beta3, or TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2. Alternatively, oligonucleotides of the present invention show strong and specific inhibition of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta3, or TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2, or TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3, and in a further alternative TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3.

Modifications of one or more nucleotides of the oligonucleotides of the present invention are selected from the group consisting of LNA, ENA, polyalkylene oxide such as triethylene glycol (TEG), 2′-fluoro, 2′-O-methoxy and 2′-O-methyl. The modifications are preferably located at the 5′- and/or 3′-end of the oligonucleotide. An oligonucleotide comprising such modified nucleotide is a modified oligonucleotide.

Modified nucleotides are for example arranged in a row, one directly next to the other, or in different patterns, where one or more unmodified nucleotides follow a modified nucleotide. For example an oligonucleotide starts with one or more modified nucleotides followed by one or more, e.g., one, two, three or four, unmodified or unlocked nucleotides followed again by one or more modified nucleotides. In one embodiment both ends of the oligonucleotide comprise an identical pattern of modified and unmodified or unlocked nucleotides. In another embodiment, the pattern of modifications at the 3′- and 5′-end differ including that one end does not comprise a modified nucleotide. Preferably the modified oligonucleotides comprise a series of 8 or 9 unlocked nucleotides.

Alternatively, a nucleotide at any other position in the oligonucleotide is modified, or at least one nucleotide at the 5′- and/or 3′-end of the oligonucleotide and at any other position in the oligonucleotide. For example ASPH1071, ASPH1100, ASPH1109, ASPH 1110, ASPH1111, ASPH1115, ASPH1126, ASPH1127 and ASPH1128 belong to a group of TGF-beta oligonucleotides, for example TGF-beta1 oligonucleotides, which comprises modified nucleosides such as LNA, ENA etc. in different patterns, e.g., separated from each other by an unlocked nucleotide. The oligonucleotides comprise either one type of modification, or one or more different modifications. Optionally, at least one phosphate linkage between two consecutive nucleotides (modified or unmodified) of the oligonucleotide is a phosphorothioate or a methylphosphonate. In a preferred embodiment, the oligonucleotides of the present invention are phosphorothioates.

Moreover, the present invention refers to TGF-beta antisense oligonucleotides, which interact and inhibit the expression of more than one TGF-beta isoform, even if the oligonucleotide is not 100% complementary to the TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2 and/or TGF-beta3 sequence. Such antisense oligonucleotides are for example ASPH1024, ASPH1096, ASPH1131 and ASPH1132, respectively. These oligonucleotides preferably interact with TGF-beta sequences of the same or different species such as human, monkey, rat or mouse as for example ASPH1131 and ASPH1132, respectively.

All the oligonucleotides of the different embodiments are for use in a method of the prevention and/or treatment of an ophthalmic disease such as dry eye, glaucoma, posterior capsular opacification (PCO), retinoblastoma, choroidcarcinoma, Marfan or Loeys-Dietz syndrome, macular degeneration, such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular endma, or cataract.

FIGURES

FIG. 1 presents the nucleic acid sequence of human TGF-beta1 mRNA (NM_(—)000660.4).

FIG. 2 shows the nucleic acid sequence of human TGF-beta2 mRNA (NM_(—)003238.3).

FIG. 3 depicts the nucleic acid sequence of human TGF-beta3 mRNA (NM_(—)003239.2).

FIG. 4 presents examples of nucleotide modifications.

FIG. 5 a) to 5 c) depict the inhibition of the expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA in human A172 glioma cells. A172 cells were transfected with different modified oligonucleotides in a dose of 10 nM (in the presence of a transfecting agent), and the inhibition of the TGF-beta1 (white columns) and TGF-beta2 (black columns) mRNA expression was measured 24 h after transfection. FIG. 5 a) refers to the results for the modified oligonucleotides ASPH01, ASPH02, ASPH03, ASPH04, ASPH05, ASPH06, ASPH07, ASPH08, ASPH09, ASPH10, ASPH11, ASPH12, ASPH13, ASPH14, ASPH15, ASPH16, ASPH17, ASPH18, ASPH19, ASPH20, ASPH21, ASPH22, ASPH24, ASPH25, ASPH26, ASPH27, ASPH29, ASPH30, ASPH31, ASPH32, ASPH33, ASPH34, ASPH35, ASPH36, ASPH37, ASPH38, ASPH39, ASPH40, ASPH41, ASPH42, ASPH43, ASPH44, ASPH45, ASPH46, ASPH47, ASPH48, ASPH49, ASPH50, ASPH51, ASPH52, ASPH53, and ASPH54; FIG. 5 b) to the results for the modified oligonucleotides ASPH36, ASPH60, ASPH61, ASPH62, ASPH63, ASPH64, ASPH65, ASPH66, ASPH67, ASPH68, ASPH69, ASPH70, ASPH71, ASPH72, ASPH73, ASPH74, ASPH75, ASPH76, ASPH77, ASPH78, ASPH79, ASPH80, ASPH81, ASPH82, ASPH83, ASPH84, ASPH85, ASPH86, ASPH87, ASPH88, ASPH89, ASPH90, ASPH91, ASPH92, ASPH93, ASPH94, ASPH95, ASPH96, ASPH97, ASPH98, ASPH99, ASPH100, ASPH101, ASPH102, ASPH103, ASPH104, ASPH105, ASPH106, ASPH107, ASPH108, ASPH109, ASPH110, ASPH111, ASPH112, ASPH113, ASPH114, ASPH115, ASPH116, ASPH117, ASPH118, and ASPH119; and FIG. 5 c) to the results for the modified oligonucleotides ASPH36, ASPH71, ASPH73, ASPH120, ASPH121, ASPH122, ASPH123, ASPH124, ASPH125, ASPH126, ASPH127, ASPH128, ASPH129, ASPH130, ASPH131, ASPH132, ASPH133, ASPH134, ASPH135, ASPH136, ASPH137, ASPH138, ASPH139, ASPH140, ASPH141, ASPH142, ASPH143, ASPH145, ASPH146, ASPH147, ASPH148, ASPH149, ASPH150, ASPH151, ASPH152, ASPH153, ASPH154, ASPH155, ASPH157, ASPH158, ASPH160, ASPH161, ASPH162, ASPH163, ASPH164, ASPH165, ASPH166, ASPH167, ASPH168, ASPH169, ASPH170, ASPH171, ASPH172, ASPH173, ASPH174, ASPH175, ASPH176, ASPH177, ASPH178, ASPH179, ASPH180, ASPH181, ASPH182, and ASPH183. Experiments are described in Example 1.

FIG. 6 a) to 6 c) depict the inhibition of the expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA in human Panc-1 pancreatic cancer cells. Panc-1 cells were transfected with different modified oligonucleotides in a dose of 10 nM (in the presence of a transfecting agent), and the inhibition of the TGF-beta1 (white columns) and TGF-beta2 (black columns) mRNA expression was measured 24 h after transfection. FIG. 6 a) refers to the results for the modified oligonucleotides ASPH01, ASPH02, ASPH03, ASPH04, ASPH05, ASPH06, ASPH07, ASPH08, ASPH12, ASPH14, ASPH17, ASPH18, ASPH20, ASPH21, ASPH22, ASPH24, ASPH25, ASPH26, ASPH27, ASPH29, ASPH30, ASPH31, ASPH32, ASPH33, ASPH35, ASPH36, ASPH37, ASPH38, ASPH39, ASPH40, ASPH41, ASPH42, ASPH43, ASPH44, ASPH45, ASPH46, ASPH47, ASPH48, ASPH49, ASPH50, ASPH51, and ASPH52; FIG. 6 b) to the results for the modified oligonucleotides ASPH36, ASPH60, ASPH61, ASPH62, ASPH63, ASPH64, ASPH65, ASPH66, ASPH67, ASPH68, ASPH69, ASPH70, ASPH71, ASPH72, ASPH73, ASPH74, ASPH75, ASPH76, ASPH77, ASPH78, ASPH79, ASPH80, ASPH81, ASPH82, ASPH83, ASPH84, ASPH85, ASPH86, ASPH87, ASPH88, ASPH89, ASPH90, ASPH91, ASPH92, ASPH93, ASPH94, ASPH96, ASPH97, ASPH98, ASPH99, ASPH100, ASPH101, ASPH102, ASPH103, ASPH104, ASPH105, ASPH106, ASPH107, ASPH108, ASPH109, ASPH110, ASPH111, ASPH112, ASPH113, ASPH114, ASPH115, ASPH116, ASPH117, ASPH118, and ASPH119; and FIG. 6 c) to the results for the modified oligonucleotides ASPH36, ASPH71, ASPH73, ASPH120, ASPH121, ASPH122, ASPH127, ASPH128, ASPH129, ASPH130, ASPH131, ASPH132, ASPH133, ASPH135, ASPH136, ASPH137, ASPH139, ASPH141, ASPH142, ASPH143, ASPH145, ASPH146, ASPH147, ASPH149, ASPH150, ASPH151, ASPH152, ASPH153, ASPH154, ASPH155, ASPH157, ASPH160, ASPH161, ASPH162, ASPH163, ASPH164, ASPH165, ASPH166, ASPH167, ASPH168, ASPH169, ASPH170, ASPH171, ASPH172, ASPH173, ASPH174, ASPH175, ASPH176, ASPH177, ASPH178, ASPH179, ASPH180, ASPH181, ASPH182, and ASPH183. Experiments are described in Example 2.

FIG. 7 shows the inhibition of the expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA in Panc-1 cells. Panc-1 cells were treated with different modified oligonucleotides in a dose of 3.3 μM in the absence of any transfection reagent (gymnotic transfection or unassisted transfection), and the inhibition of the TGF-beta1 (white columns) and TGF-beta2 (black columns) mRNA expression was measured after 72 h. FIG. 7 presents the results for the modified oligonucleotides ASPH17, ASPH18, ASPH22, ASPH25, ASPH33, ASPH35, ASPH36, ASPH41, ASPH42, ASPH45, ASPH46, ASPH47, ASPH48, ASPH49, ASPH65, ASPH66, ASPH67, ASPH69, ASPH71, ASPH79, ASPH80, ASPH82, ASPH88, ASPH89, ASPH90, ASPH91, ASPH98, ASPH99, ASPH102, ASPH105, ASPH111, ASPH115, ASPH119, ASPH121, ASPH139, ASPH140, ASPH146, ASPH151, ASPH153, ASPH165, ASPH171, ASPH172, ASPH176, ASPH178, ASPH180, and ASPH183. Experiments are described in Example 4.

FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 present the inhibition of the expression of TGF-beta1 (FIG. 8 a) and TGF-beta2 (FIG. 8 b) mRNA as well as the inhibition of TGF-beta1 (FIG. 9 a) and TGF-beta2 (FIG. 9 b) protein in Panc-1 cells. Panc-1 cells were treated with different modified oligonucleotides in a dose of 10 μM via gymnotic transfection, i.e., in the absence of any transfecting reagent, and the inhibition of the TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA expression and protein was measured 4 days after transfection. FIG. 8 a) and FIG. 8 b) show the results for the modified oligonucleotides ASPH01, ASPH03, ASPH05, ASPH09, ASPH17, ASPH18, ASPH22, ASPH35, ASPH36, ASPH37, ASPH41, ASPH45, ASPH46, ASPH47, and ASPH48 on mRNA level, and FIG. 9 a) and FIG. 9 b) on protein level. Experiments are described in Example 5.

FIG. 10 depicts the dose-dependent effect of modified oligonucleotides ASPH05 and ASPH36 on TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA expression. Panc-1 cells were treated for 4 days with 15 μM, 10 μM, 7.5 μM, 5 μM, 2.5 μM, 1.25 μM, or 0.625 μM of either ASPH05 (dual TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 oligonucleotide) or ASPH36 (selective TGF-beta2 oligonucleotide) modified oligonucleotide in the absence of a transfection reagent. Remaining TGF-beta1 (FIG. 10 a) or TGF-beta2 mRNA (FIG. 10 b) was measured after 4 days. Experiments are described in Example 6.

FIG. 11 shows the inhibition of the expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA in mouse SMA-560 glioma cells. SMA-560 cells were transfected with ASPH01, ASPH03, ASPH05, ASPH09, ASPH17, ASPH18, ASPH22, ASPH26, ASPH36, ASPH37, ASPH41, ASPH42, ASPH45, ASPH46, ASPH47, or ASPH48 in a dose of 10 nM (in the presence of a transfecting agent). Inhibition of the mouse TGF-beta1 (white columns) and TGF-beta2 (black columns) mRNA expression was determined 24 h after transfection. Experiments are described in Example 7.

FIG. 12 presents in vivo data referring to the treatment of female athymic nude mice with ASPH01, ASPH03, ASPH05, ASPH17, ASPH22, ASPH37, ASPH41, ASPH45, ASPH46, ASPH47, or ASPH48 at 14 mg/kg body weight by subcutaneous injection for 5 consecutive days. 24 h after the last treatment, mice were sacrificed and mouse TGF-beta 2 mRNA was quantified in kidney tissue lysates. Data—representing TGF-beta2 to GAPDH mRNA ratio—are shown as a box plot in which median values and min. and max. values are presented (data expressed as n=4, except ASPH46 group n=3). Experiments are described in Example 8.

FIG. 13 shows the inhibition of the expression of TGF-beta3 mRNA in Panc-1 cells. Panc-1 cells were treated with ASPH09 in a dose of 10 μM in the absence of any transfection reagent (gymnotic transfection or unassisted transfection), and the inhibition of the TGF-beta3 mRNA expression was measured after 4 days. ASPH09 is a panspecific oliogonucleotide inhibiting the expression of TGF-beta3 as well as of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 (FIGS. 8 a and 8 b). Experiment is described in Example 9.

FIG. 14 depicts the inhibition of the expression of TGF-beta1 mRNA in human Panc-1 pancreatic cancer cells. Panc-1 cells were transfected with different modified oligonucleotides in a dose of 10 nM (in the presence of a transfecting agent), and the inhibition of the TGF-beta1 mRNA expression was measured 24 h after transfection. FIG. 14 refers to the results for the modified oligonucleotides ASPH05, ASPH09, ASPH1000, ASPH1001, ASPH1002, ASPH1003, ASPH1004, ASPH1005, ASPH1006, ASPH1007, ASPH1008, ASPH1009, ASPH1010, ASPH1011, ASPH1012, ASPH1013, ASPH1014, ASPH1015, ASPH1016, ASPH1017, ASPH1018, ASPH1019, ASPH1020, ASPH1021, ASPH1022, ASPH1023, ASPH1024, ASPH1026, ASPH1027, ASPH1028, ASPH1029, ASPH1030, ASPH1031, ASPH1032, ASPH1033, ASPH1034, ASPH1035, ASPH1036, ASPH 1038, ASPH1039, ASPH1040, ASPH1041, ASPH1042, ASPH1043, ASPH1044, ASPH1045, ASPH1046, ASPH1047, ASPH1048, ASPH1049, ASPH1050, ASPH1051, ASPH1052, ASPH1054, ASPH1055, ASPH1056, ASPH1057, ASPH1058, ASPH1059, ASPH1060, and ASPH1061. Experiments are described in Example 12.

FIG. 15 shows the inhibition of the expression of TGF-beta1 mRNA in mouse SMA-560 glioma cells. The cells were transfected with different modified oligonucleotides in a dose of 10 nM (in the presence of a transfecting agent), and the inhibition of the TGF-beta1 mRNA expression was measured 24 h after transfection. FIG. 15 refers to the results for the modified oligonucleotides ASPH09, ASPH1000, ASPH1001, ASPH1002, ASPH1003, ASPH1004, ASPH1005, ASPH1006, ASPH1007, ASPH1008, ASPH1009, ASPH1010, ASPH1011, ASPH1012, ASPH1013, ASPH1014, ASPH1015, ASPH1016, ASPH1017, ASPH1018, ASPH1019, ASPH 1020, ASPH1021, ASPH1022, ASPH1023, ASPH1024, ASPH1026, ASPH1027, ASPH1028, ASPH1029, ASPH1030, ASPH1031, ASPH1032, ASPH1033, ASPH1034, ASPH1035, ASPH1036, ASPH1037, ASPH1038, ASPH1039, ASPH1040, ASPH1041, ASPH1042, ASPH1043, ASPH1044, ASPH1045, ASPH1046, ASPH1047, ASPH1048, ASPH1049, ASPH1050, ASPH1051, ASPH1052, ASPH1053, ASPH1054, ASPH1055, ASPH1056, ASPH1057, ASPH1058, ASPH1059, ASPH1060, ASPH1061, and ASPH1062. Experiments are described in Example 13.

FIG. 16 depicts the inhibition of the expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA in human A172 cells. The cells were transfected with different modified oligonucleotides in a dose of 10 nM (in the presence of a transfecting agent), and the inhibition of the TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA expression was measured 24 h after transfection. FIG. 16 refers to the results for the modified oligonucleotides ASPH05, ASPH09, ASPH1000, ASPH1001, ASPH1002, ASPH1004, ASPH1005, ASPH1006, ASPH1007, ASPH1008, ASPH1009, ASPH1010, ASPH1011, ASPH1012, ASPH1013, ASPH1014, ASPH1015, ASPH1016, ASPH1017, ASPH1018, ASPH1019, ASPH1020, ASPH1021, ASPH1022, ASPH1023, ASPH1024, ASPH1026, ASPH1027, ASPH1028, ASPH1029, ASPH1030, ASPH1031, ASPH1032, ASPH1033, ASPH1034, ASPH1035, ASPH1036, ASPH1038, ASPH1039, ASPH1040, ASPH1041, ASPH1042, ASPH1043, ASPH1044, ASPH1045, ASPH1046, ASPH1047, ASPH1048, ASPH1049, ASPH1050, ASPH1051, ASPH1052, ASPH1053, ASPH1054, ASPH1056, ASPH1057, ASPH1058, ASPH1059, ASPH1060, ASPH1061, and ASPH1062. Experiments are described in Example 14.

FIG. 17 shows the inhibition of the expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA in Panc-1 cells. Panc-1 cells were treated with different modified oligonucleotides in a dose of 3.3 μM in the absence of any transfection reagent (gymnotic transfection or unassisted transfection or gymnotic delivery), and the inhibition of the TGF-beta1 (black columns) and TGF-beta2 (white columns) mRNA expression was measured after 72 h. FIG. 17 refers to the results for the modified oligonucleotides ASPH05, ASPH09, ASPH1000, ASPH1001, ASPH1002, ASPH1004, ASPH1006, ASPH1007, ASPH1008, ASPH1009, ASPH1010, ASPH1011, ASPH1012, ASPH1013, ASPH1014, ASPH1015, ASPH1017, ASPH1018, ASPH1019, ASPH1020, ASPH1021, ASPH1022, ASPH1024, ASPH1026, ASPH1027, ASPH1028, ASPH1029, ASPH1032, ASPH1033, ASPH1034, ASPH1035, ASPH1036, ASPH1037, ASPH1038, ASPH1039, ASPH1040, ASPH1041, ASPH1042, ASPH1043, ASPH1044, ASPH1045, ASPH1046, ASPH1047, ASPH1049, ASPH1050, ASPH1051, ASPH1052, ASPH1053, ASPH1054, ASPH1055, ASPH1056, ASPH1057, ASPH1058, ASPH1059, ASPH1060, ASPH1061, and ASPH1062. Experiments are described in Example 15.

FIG. 18 depicts the inhibition of the expression of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3 mRNA in human A172 cells. The cells were transfected with different modified oligonucleotides in a dose of 10 nM (in the presence of a transfecting agent), and the inhibition of the TGF-beta1 (black column), TGF-beta2 (white column) and TGF-beta3 (striped column) mRNA expression was measured 24 h after transfection. FIG. 18 refers to the results for the modified oligonucleotides ASPH09, ASPH1047, ASPH1051, ASPH1059, ASPH1063, ASPH1064, ASPH1065, ASPH1066, ASPH1067, ASPH1068, ASPH1069, ASPH1070, ASPH1071, ASPH1072, ASPH1073, ASPH1074, ASPH1075, ASPH1076, ASPH1077, ASPH1078, ASPH1079, ASPH1080, ASPH1081, ASPH1082, ASPH1083, ASPH1084, ASPH1085, ASPH1086, ASPH1087, ASPH1088, ASPH1089, ASPH1090, ASPH1091, ASPH1092, ASPH1093, ASPH1094, ASPH1095, ASPH1097, ASPH1098, ASPH1099, ASPH1100, ASPH1101, ASPH1102, ASPH1103, ASPH1104, ASPH1105, ASPH1106, ASPH1107, ASPH1108, ASPH1109, ASPH1110, ASPH1111, ASPH1112, ASPH1113, ASPH114, ASPH1115, ASPH1116, ASPH1117, ASPH1118, ASPH1119, ASPH1120, ASPH1121, ASPH1122, ASPH1123, ASPH1124, ASPH1125, ASPH1126, ASPH1127, ASPH1128, ASPH1129, ASPH1130, ASPH1131, and ASPH1132. Experiments are described in Example 16.

FIG. 19 a shows the inhibition of the expression of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3 mRNA in human Panc-1 and RenCa cells. The cells were transfected with different modified oligonucleotides in a dose dose of 3.3 μM in the absence of any transfection reagent (gymnotic transfection or unassisted transfection or gymnotic delivery), and the inhibition of the TGF-beta1 (black column), TGF-beta2 (white column) and TGF-beta3 (striped column) mRNA expression was measured 72 h after transfection. FIG. 19 a refers to the results for the modified oligonucleotides ASPH1063, ASPH1064, ASPH1065, ASPH1066, ASPH1067, ASPH1068, ASPH1069, ASPH1070, ASPH1071, ASPH1072, ASPH1073, ASPH1074, ASPH1075, ASPH1076, ASPH1077, ASPH1078, ASPH1079, ASPH1080, ASPH1081, ASPH1082, ASPH1083, ASPH1084, ASPH1085, ASPH1086, ASPH1087, ASPH1088, ASPH1089, ASPH1090, ASPH1091, ASPH1092, ASPH1093, ASPH1094, ASPH1095, ASPH1097, ASPH1098, ASPH1099, ASPH1100, ASPH1101, ASPH1102, ASPH1103, ASPH1104, ASPH1105, ASPH1106, ASPH1107, ASPH1108, ASPH1109, ASPH1110, ASPH1111, ASPH1112, ASPH1113, ASPH114, ASPH1115, ASPH1116, ASPH1117, ASPH1118, ASPH1119, ASPH1120, ASPH1121, ASPH1122, ASPH1123, ASPH1124, ASPH1125, ASPH1126, ASPH1127, ASPH1128, ASPH1129, ASPH1130, ASPH1131, and ASPH1132. FIG. 19 b presents the inhibiting effect of these oligonucleotides in RenCa cells.

FIG. 20 presents a sequence alignment of ASPH1024 and ASPH1096, which are 100% homologous to a human sequence of TGF-beta1, with a human sequence of TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3, respectively. ASPH1024 has three mismatches with the human sequence of TGF-beta2 (FIG. 20 a) and two mismatches with human sequence of TGF-beta3 (FIG. 20 b). ASPH1096 has one mismatch with the human sequence of TGF-beta2 (FIG. 20 a), and one mismatch with the human sequence of TGF-beta3 (FIG. 20 b). Both oligonucleotides show inhibition of different human TGF-beta isoforms (TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and TGF-beta3). For example ASPH1024 inhibits the expression and activity of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 (see FIG. 17) and ASPH1096 inhibits the expression and activity of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3 as depicted in FIG. 18 for example. ASPH009, which is 100% homologous to the human sequence of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and TGF-beta3 was used as a control.

FIG. 21 shows a sequence alignment of ASPH1131 and ASPH1132, which are 100% homologous to a human sequence of TGF-beta1 and TGFβbeta3, with a human sequence of TGF-beta2. Each of ASPH1131 and ASPH1132 has one mismatch with the human sequence of TGF-beta2. Both oligonucleotides strongly inhibit the expression of all three human isoforms as depicted in FIG. 18 for example.

FIG. 22 depicts a sequence alignment of ASPH1131 and ASPH1132, which are 100% homologous to a murine sequence of TGF-beta1 and TGFbeta3, with a murine sequence of TGF-beta2. Each of ASPH1131 and ASPH1132 has two mismatches with the murine sequence of TGF-beta2. While ASPH1131 potently inhibits murine TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3, ASPH1132 very potently suppresses all murine TGF-beta isoforms as depicted in FIG. 19 b for example.

FIG. 23 shows TGF-beta2 mRNA expression in the kidney of mice bearing subcutaneous human pancreatic carcinoma Panc-1 tumors. Mice were treated with 1, 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg of ASPH47 after indicated treatment schedules for 5 days: Q1Dx1-d6 (single SC injection, termination 5 days later), Q1Dx5-d6 (daily SC injection for 5 days, termination 24 hours later), and Q1Dx5-d10 (daily SC injection for 5 days, termination 5 days later). TGF-beta2 and house-keeping gene GAPDH mRNA expression was detected by bDNA assay. Data—representing TGF-beta2 to GAPDH mRNA ratio—are shown as a box plot in which median values and min. and max. values are presented (data expressed as n=10, except n=9 for vehicle and 3 mg/kg Q1Dx1 d6 groups).

FIG. 24 depicts TGF-beta2 mRNA expression in the kidneys of mice bearing human pancreatic carcinoma Panc-1 tumors. Mice were treated with subcutaneous injections of various oligonucleotides for 5 consecutive days using indicated treatment doses: daily injection of 1, 5, 15 or 50 mg/kg oligonucleotides for five consecutive days. TGF-beta2 and house-keeping gene GAPDH mRNA expression was detected by bDNA. Data—representing TGF-beta2 to GAPDH mRNA ratio—are shown as a box plot in which median values and min. and max. values are presented (data expressed as n=5).

FIG. 25 presents TGF-beta2 mRNA expression in subcutaneous human renal cell carcinomas 786-O tumors. Mice were treated with a daily injection of 50 mg/kg oligonucleotides for five consecutive days. The tumors were collected 24 hours after the last treatment and snap frozen. TGF-beta2 and house-keeping gene GAPDH mRNA expression was detected by bDNA assay. Data—representing TGF-beta2 to GAPDH mRNA ratio—are shown as a box plot in which median values and min. and max. values are presented (data expressed as n=10, except for ASPH71 group n=9).

FIG. 26 depicts the inhibiting effect of oligonucleotides of the present invention on the expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 protein. Panc-1 cells were transfected with 20, 6.67, 2.22, 0.74, 0.25, 0.08 or 0.009 μM of the modified oligonucleotides ASPH47 (FIG. 26 a), ASPH1047 (FIG. 26 b), ASPH1106 (FIG. 26 c), ASPH1132 (FIG. 26 d), or ASPH47 in combination with ASPH1047 (FIG. 26 e). Negative control is the scrambled oligonucleotide (scrLNA) of SEQ ID No. 145 (FIG. 26 f) in concentrations of 40, 13.33, 4.44, 1.48, 0.49, 0.16, 0.05, or 0.02 μM. TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 protein levels in cell supernatants were determined by ELISA, wherein results for TGF-beta1 are indicated in diamonds, and results for TGF-beta2 in squares.

FIG. 27 shows the inhibition of the expression of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3 mRNA in human Panc-1 cells and mouse RenCa cells. Panc-1 and RenCa cells were treated with different modified oligonucleotides in a dose of 1.1 μM in the absence of any transfection reagent (gymnotic transfection or unassisted transfection or gymnotic delivery), and the inhibition of the TGF-beta1 (black columns), TGF-beta2 (white columns), and TGF-beta3 (striped columns) mRNA expression was measured after 72 h. FIG. 17 refers to the results for the modified oligonucleotides ASPH190, ASPH191, ASPH192, ASPH193, ASPH194, ASPH195, ASPH196, ASPH197, ASPH198, ASPH199, ASPH200, ASPH201, ASPH202, ASPH203, ASPH204, ASPH205, ASPH206, ASPH207, ASPH208, ASPH209, ASPH210, ASPH211, ASPH212, ASPH213, ASPH214, ASPH215, ASPH216, ASPH217, ASPH218, ASPH219, ASPH220, ASPH221, ASPH222, and ASPH223, respectively. FIG. 27 a presents the inhibitory effect of these TGF-beta oligonucleotides in Panc-1 cells and FIG. 27 b in RenCa cells.

FIG. 28 presents the inhibiting effect of oligonucleotides of the present invention on the expression of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and TGF-beta3. Panc-1 cells (FIG. 28 a) or RenCa cells (FIG. 28 b) were transfected with 3.3 μM of different TGF-beta specific oligonucleotides in the absence of a transfecting agent. The expression of TGF-beta1 (black column), TGF-beta2 (white column) and TGF-beta3 (striped column) mRNA was determined 72 h after transfection.

FIG. 29 depicts the the inhibiting effect of oligonucleotides of the present invention on the expression of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and TGF-beta3. A172 glioma cells were transfected with 10 nM of different TGF-beta specific oligonucleotides in the presence of transfecting agent. The expression of TGF-beta1 (black column), TGF-beta2 (white column) and TGF-beta3 (striped column) mRNA was determined 24 h after transfection.

FIGS. 30 a and 30 b present a compared analysis of time-dependent plasma (30 a) and kidney (30 b) concentration (PK profiles; with values expressed in μg/mL or μg/gr) and downregulation of TGF-β2 mRNA (PD profile) in kidney following single subcutaneous bolus administration of 50 mg/kg of ASPH_(—)0047 to Balb/c mice.

FIG. 31 depicts TGF-β2 mRNA downregulation in established subcutaneous tumors (FIG. 30A-D) or kidney (FIG. 30E-F) in immunodeficient mouse following subcutaneous repeated administration of ASPH_(—)0047 or control oligonucleotide. TGF-beta2 and GAPDH mRNA expression was detected by bDNA. Results are expressed as TGF-beta2/GAPDH mRNA ratio, and each individual tested sample is represented with line indicating median values.

FIG. 32 shows the effect of systemic treatment of Balb/c mice with ASPH_(—)0047 (selective TGF-b2 antisense oligonucleotide) on lung metastasis in orthotopic and in i.v. mouse Renca renal carcinoma model. Level of lung metastasis was determined by either number of metastasis or based on lung weight. Results are shown as a box plot in which median values, upper and lower quartiles, and 90^(th) and 10^(th) percentiles are presented.

FIG. 33 presents human Panc-1 pancreatic cancer cells were treated with 3.3 μM of the indicated oligonucleotides in the absence of transfecting agent (gymnotic transfection or gymnotic delivery). The expression of TGF-beta1 (black column), TGF-beta2 (white column) and TGF-beta3 (striped column) mRNA was determined 72 h after transfection.

FIG. 34 depicts the effect of systemic treatment of Balb/c mice with ASPH_(—)0047 on lung metastasis in orthotopic mouse 4T1 mammary carcinoma model. Data for each individual animal is represented with median values indicated as bold black line.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed to oligonucleotides, in particular antisense oligonucleotides, which comprise at least one modified nucleotide and are suitable to interact with TGF-beta mRNA for use in a method for preventing and/or treating an ophthalmic disease such as dry eye, glaucoma, posterior capsule opacification, retinoblastoma or choroidcarcinoma. The oligonucleotides comprise or consist of 10 to 20, more preferred 12 to 18 nucleotides of the TGF-beta2 nucleic acid according to SEQ ID NO. 2 or of the TGF-beta1 nucleic acid according to SEQ ID NO. 1, or of the nucleic acid sequence of TGF-beta3 nucleic acid according to SEQ ID NO. 3. Most preferred the oligonucleotide comprises or consists of 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18 nucleotides. The oligonucleotides are preferably selected from the region of nucleic acid no. 1380 to 1510 (preferably no. 1380 to 1450 and/or no. 1480 to 1510), 1660 to 1680, or 2390 to 2410 of SEQ ID NO. 2. The oligonucleotide is a single or double stranded RNA or DNA, including siRNA, microRNA, apatmer or spiegelmer. Preferably, the oligonucleotide is an antisense oligonucleotide.

A nucleotide forms the building block of an oligonucleotide, and is for example composed of a nucleobase (nitrogenous base, e.g., purine or pyrimidine), a five-carbon sugar (e.g., ribose, 2-deoxyribose, arabinose, xylose, lyxose, allose, altorse, glucose, mannose, gulose, idose, galactose, talose or stabilized modifications of those sugars), and one or more phosphate groups. Examples of modified phosphate groups are phosphorothioate or methylphosphonate. Each compound of the nucleotide is modifiable, and is naturally occurring or none naturally occurring. The latter are for example locked nucleic acid (LNA), a 2′-O,4′-C-ethylene-bridged nucleic acid (ENA), polyalkylene oxide- (such as triethylene glycol (TEG)), 2′-fluoro, 2′-O-methoxy and 2′-O-methyl modified nucleotides as described for example by Freier & Altmann (Nucl. Acid Res., 1997, 25, 4429-4443) and Uhlmann (Curr. Opinion in Drug & Development (2000, 3 (2): 293-213)), which are shown in FIG. 4.

A LNA is a modified RNA nucleotide, wherein the ribose moiety is modified with an extra bridge connecting the 2′ oxygen and 4′ carbon (2′-4′ribonucleoside). The bridge “locks” the ribose in the 3′-endo (North) conformation, which is often found in the A-form duplexes. LNA nucleosides and nucleotides, respectively, comprise for example the forms of thio-LNA, oxy-LNA, or amino-LNA, in alpha-D- or beta-L-configuration, and are mixable and combineable, respectively, with (unmodified) DNA or RNA residues in the oligonucleotide.

The oligonucleotides of the present invention, i.e., modified oligonucleotides, comprise at least one modified nucleotide, preferably LNA and/or ENA, at the 5′- and/or 3′-end of the oligonucleotide. In a preferred embodiment, the oligonucleotide comprises 1, 2, 3, or 4 LNAs or ENAs at the 5′-end, and 1, 2, 3, or 4 LNAs or ENAs at the 3′-end. In another preferred embodiment, the oligonucleotide comprises 1, 2, 3, or 4 LNAs or ENAs at the 5′-end or 3′-end, and a polyalkylene oxide such as TEG at the 3′- or 5′-end. The modified oligonucleotides show a significantly increased inhibition on TGF-beta expression and activity, respectively, which results in an improved prevention and/or treatment of a malignant or benign tumor, an immunologic disease, fibrosis, eye disease such as glaucoma or posterior capsular opacification (PCO), CNS disease hair loss etc. The oligonucleotides of the present invention target TGF-beta linked diseases either by hybridization with TGF-beta mRNA, preferably TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, or TGF-beta3, alternatively, TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and/or TGF-beta3 mRNAs, i.e., TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2, or TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta3, or TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3, or TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3 mRNAs, or any other direct or indirect effect on the TGF-beta system. An oligonucleotide inhibiting the expression of TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and TGF-beta3 is defined as pan-specific oligonucleotide.

In a preferred embodiment, the oligonucleotides of the present invention are for use in a method for preventing and/or treating an ophthalmic disease such as dry eye, glaucoma or posterior capsule opacification.

Preferably two or more oligonucleotides are combined, wherein at least one oligonucleotide specifically inhibits TGF-beta1 and at least one oligonucleotide specifically inhibits TGF-beta2, or wherein at least one oligonucleotide specifically inhibits TGF-beta1 and at least one oligonucleotide specifically inhibits TGF-beta3, or wherein at least one oligonucleotide specifically inhibits TGF-beta2 and at least one oligonucleotide specifically inhibits TGF-beta3, or wherein at least one oligonucleotide specifically inhibits TGF-beta1, at least one oligonucleotide specifically inhibits TGF-beta2, and at least one oligonucleotide specifically inhibits TGF-beta3.

In another embodiment, one oligonucleotide inhibits two TGF-beta isoforms such as TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2, TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3, or TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta3. An oligonucleotide inhibiting the expression of all three isoforms—TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and TGF-beta3—is defined as pan-specific oligonucleotide.

In a further embodiment three or more oligonucleotides are combined, wherein at least one oligonucleotide specifically inhibits TGF-beta1, another oligonucleotide specifically inhibits TGF-beta2, and a further oligonucleotide specifically inhibits TGF-beta3, and optionally one or more additional oligonucleotides inhibiting TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2 or TGF-beta3, and/or optionally any other factor.

The oligonucleotides of the present invention have for example an IC₅₀ in the range of 0.1 to 20 μM, preferably in the range of 0.2 to 15 μM, more preferably in the range of 0.4 to 10 μM, and even more preferred in the range of 0.5 to 5 μM.

The present invention further refers to a pharmaceutical composition comprising an oligonucleotide according to the invention as active ingredient. The pharmaceutical composition comprises at least one oligonucleotide of the present invention and optionally further an antisense compound, an antibody, a chemotherapeutic compound, an anti-inflammatory compound, an antiviral compound and/or an immuno-modulating compound. Pharmaceutically acceptable binding agents and adjuvants optionally comprise part of the pharmaceutical composition.

In one embodiment, the oligonucleotide and the pharmaceutical composition, respectively, is formulated as dosage unit in form of capsules, tablets and pills etc., respectively, which contain for example the following compounds: microcrystalline cellulose, gum or gelatin as binders; starch or lactose as excipients; stearates as lubricants, various sweetening or flavouring agents. For capsules the dosage unit may contain a liquid carrier like fatty oils. Likewise coatings of sugar or enteric agents may be part of the dosage unit.

In a preferred embodiment the oligonucleotide or the pharmaceutical composition comprising such oligonucleotide of the present invention is formulated as eye drops or eye ointment, which optionally comprise a dye such as BBG, BBR, or trypanblue, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethyleneglycol (PEG), preferably PEG200, PEG400, or PEG1000, hydrogenphosphate of calium or sodium.

The oligonucleotide and/or the pharmaceutical composition is administrable via different routes. These routes of administration include, but are not limited to, electroporation, epidermal, impression into skin, intra-arterial, intra-articular, intracranial, intradermal, intra-lesional, intra-muscular, intranasal, intra-ocular, intracameral, intrathecal, intraperitoneal, intraprostatic, intrapulmonary, intraspinal, intratracheal, intratumoral, intravenous, intravesical, placement within cavities of the body, nasal inhalation, oral, pulmonary inhalation (e.g., by inhalation or insufflation of powders or aerosols, including by nebulizer), subcutaneous, subdermal, topical (including ophthalmic and to mucous membranes including vaginal and rectal delivery), or transdermal.

For parenteral, subcutaneous, intradermal or topical administration the oligonucleotide and/or the pharmaceutical composition include for example a sterile diluent, buffers, regulators of toxicity and antibacterials. In a preferred embodiment, the oligonucleotide or pharmaceutical composition is prepared with carriers that protect against degradation or immediate elimination from the body, including implants or microcapsules with controlled release properties. For intravenous administration the preferred carriers are for example physiological saline or phosphate buffered saline. An oligonucleotide and/or a pharmaceutical composition comprising such oligonucleotide for oral administration includes for example powder or granule, microparticulate, nanoparticulate, suspension or solution in water or non-aqueous media, capsule, gel capsule, sachet, tablet or minitablet. An oligonucleotide and/or a pharmaceutical composition comprising for parenteral, intrathecal, intracameral or intraventricular administration includes for example sterile aqueous solutions which optionally contain buffer, diluent and other suitable additive such as penetration enhancer, carrier compound and other pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient.

A pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is for example liquid or solid, and is selected with the planned manner of administration in mind so as to provide for the desired bulk, consistency, etc., when combined with a nucleic acid and the other components of a given pharmaceutical composition. Typical pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include, but are not limited to, a binding agent (e.g. pregelatinized maize starch, polyvinylpyrrolidone or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, etc.); filler (e.g. lactose and other sugars, microcrystalline cellulose, pectin, gelatin, calcium sulfate, ethyl cellulose, polyacrylates or calcium hydrogen phosphate, etc.); lubricant (e.g., magnesium stearate, talcum, silica, colloidal silicon dioxide, stearic acid, metallic stearates, hydrogenated vegetable oils, corn starch, polyethylene glycols, sodium benzoate, sodium acetate, etc.); disintegrate (e.g., starch, sodium starch glycolate, etc.); or wetting agent (e.g., sodium lauryl sulphate, etc.). Sustained release oral delivery systems and/or enteric coatings for orally administered dosage forms are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,704,295; 4,556,552; 4,309,406; and 4,309,404. An adjuvant is included under these phrases.

In one embodiment, the oligonucleotide or pharmaceutical composition is administered via a medical device, preferably a small pump such as a mini-pump, which is for example directly implanted into or onto the eye. Such device is for example connected to the eye motion muscle to deliver a therapeutic load, i.e., an oligonucleotide or pharmaceutical composition into the eye.

Besides being used in a method of human disease prevention and/or treatment, the oligonucleotide and/or the pharmaceutical composition according to the present invention is also used in a method for prevention and/or treatment of other subjects including veterinary animals, reptiles, birds, exotic animals and farm animals, including mammals, rodents, and the like. Mammals include for example horses, dogs, pigs, cats, or primates (for example, a monkey, a chimpanzee, or a lemur). Rodents include for example rats, rabbits, mice, squirrels, or guinea pigs.

The oligonucleotide or the pharmaceutical composition according to the invention is used in a method for the prevention and/or treatment of many different diseases, preferably benign or malignant tumors, immunologic diseases, bronchial asthma, heart disease, fibrosis (e.g., liver fibrosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, kidney cirrhosis, scleroderma), diabetes, wound healing, disorders of the connective tissue (e.g., in heart, blood vessel, bone, joint, eye such as the Marfan or Loeys-Dietz syndrome), psoriasis, eye diseases (e.g., glaucoma, posterior capsular opacification (PCO) also known as secondary cataract, retinoblastoma, choroidcarcinoma, Marfan or Loeys-Dietz syndrome, macular degeneration, such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular endma, or cataract), CNS disease (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease), coronary atherosclerosis (coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery or hair loss. A tumor is for example selected from the group of solid tumors, blood born tumors, leukemias, tumor metastasis, hemangiomas, acoustic neuromas, neurofibromas, trachomas, pyogenic granulomas, astrocytoma such as anaplastic astrocytoma, acoustic neuroma, blastoma, Ewing's tumor, craniopharyngioma, ependymoma, medulloblastoma, glioma, glioblastoma, hemangloblastoma, Hodgkins-lymphoma, medullablastoma, leukaemia, melanoma such as primary and/or metastatic melanoma, mesothelioma, myeloma, neuroblastoma, neurofibroma, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, pinealoma, retinoblastoma, sarcoma, seminoma, trachomas, Wilm's tumor, bile duct carcinoma, bladder carcinoma, brain tumor, breast cancer, bronchogenic carcinoma, carcinoma of the kidney, cervical cancer, choriocarcinoma, cystadenocarcinome, embryonal carcinoma, epithelial carcinoma, esophageal cancer, cervical carcinoma, colon carcinoma, colorectal carcinoma, endometrial cancer, gallbladder cancer, gastric cancer, head cancer, liver carcinoma, lung carcinoma, medullary carcinoma, neck cancer, non-small-cell bronchogenic/lung carcinoma, ovarian cancer, pancreas carcinoma, papillary carcinoma, papillary adenocarcinoma, prostate cancer, small intestine carcinoma, prostate carcinoma, rectal cancer, renal cell carcinoma (RCC, e.g., clear cell RCC, papillary RCC, chromophobe RCC), oncocytoma kidney cancer, transitional cell kidney cancer, skin cancer, small-cell bronchogenic/lung carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, sebaceous gland carcinoma, testicular carcinoma, and uterine cancer. The oligonucleotide or the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention is not only used in a method for the prevention and/or treatment of a tumor, but likewise on a metastasis.

The present invention is preferably directed to the prevention and/or treatment of ophthalmic diseases such as, but not limited to, glaucoma, posterior capsular opacification, dry eye, macular degeneration, e.g., age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular endma, cataract, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, Marfan or Loeys-Dietz syndrome, and any other ocular disease linkable to TGF-beta, in particular TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and/or TGF-beta3, and/or being associated with fibrosis, inflammation, degeneration, aging or similar.

The antisense oligonucleotides of the present invention are characterized in that they show an unexpected low toxicity (see for example Table 7) and thus, are well tolerated by different organisms. They oligonucleotides show a reasonable distribution in the organism, wherein highest concentrations are measured in the kidney, liver, skin and spleen.

The present invention provides numerous oligonucleotides, which are highly efficient in the reduction and inhibition, respectively, of TGF-beta, in particular TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2 and/or TGF-beta3 expression due to the specific selection of the sequence of the oligonucleotide and the modification of the nucleotide. The following Table 1 shows numerous preferred modified oligonucleotides according to the present invention (modified nucleosides are indicated in bold letters). Each oligonucleotide is defined as ASPH and a number, which is defined by a specific sequence and modification of the nucleosides:

SEQ ID NO. Sequence (5′ → 3′) Modification ASPH 5 GACCAGATGCAGGA LNA 3 + 3 36 6 GCGACCGTGACCAGAT LNA 3 + 3 80 7 GCGCGACCGTGACC LNA 3 + 3 98 8 AGCGCGACCGTGA LNA 2 + 3 111 9 GACCGTGACCAGAT LNA 2 + 2 121 9 GACCGTGACCAGAT LNA 3 + TEG 153 10 CTGCCCGCGGAT LNA 2 + 2 15 11 TCTGCCCGCGGAT LNA 3 + 2 17 12 GGATCTGCCCGCGGA LNA 4 + 3 26 12 GGATCTGCCCGCGGA LNA 3 + 4 27 13 CTTGCTCAGGATCTGCC LNA 4 + 4 37 14 GCTCAGGATCTGCCCGCGG 2′ O-meth 4 + 4 52 A 14 GCTCAGGATCTGCCCGCGG 2′ fluoro 4 + 4 53 A 15 GGATCGCCTCGAT LNA 3 + 2 112 16 CCGCGGATCGCC LNA 2 + 2 119 17 ACCTCCTTGGCGTAGTA LNA 3 + 3 01 17 ACCTCCTTGGCGTAGTA LNA 4 + 4 02 18 CCTCCTTGGCGTAGTA LNA 3 + 3 03 18 CCTCCTTGGCGTAGTA LNA 4 + 4 04 19 CTCCTTGGCGTAGTA LNA 3 + 3 05 19 CTCCTTGGCGTAGTA LNA 4 + 3 06 19 CTCCTTGGCGTAGTA LNA 3 + 4 07 20 TCCTTGGCGTAGTA LNA 3 + 3 08 21 CAGAAGTTGGCAT LNA 3 + 2 09 21 CAGAAGTTGGCAT LNA 2 + 3 10 22 AAGTGGGCGGGAT — 11 22 AAGTGGGCGGGAT LNA 4 + 4 12 22 AAGTGGGCGGGAT 2′ O-meth 4 + 4 13 22 AAGTGGGCGGGAT 2′ fluoro 4 + 4 14 23 GCGGGATGGCAT LNA 2 + 2 16 24 GAAATCACCTCCG LNA 2 + 3 18 25 AAGTGGGCGGGAT LNA 2 + 3 19 26 TGTAGCGCTGGGT LNA 2 + 3 20 27 CGAAGGAGAGCCA LNA 3 + 2 21 28 TCGCGCTCGCAGGC LNA 3 + 3 22 29 AAGTGGGCGGGATG LNA 3 + 3 23 30 ATGTAGCGCTGGGT LNA 3 + 3 24 31 CGAAGGAGAGCCAT LNA 3 + 3 25 32 GAAAGTGGGCGGGAT LNA 4 + 3 28 33 CGAAGGAGAGCCATT LNA 4 + 3 29 34 CGATCCTCTTGCGCAT LNA 4 + 4 30 35 AAGTGGGCGGGATGGC LNA 4 + 4 31 36 GATGGAAATCACCTCCG LNA 4 + 4 32 37 AAACCTCCTTGGCGTAG LNA 4 + 4 33 38 TAGAAAGTGGGCGGGAT LNA 4 + 4 34 39 GGCGGGATGGCAT LNA 2 + 3 35 40 GGGTCTGTAGAAAGTG LNA 4 + 4 38 41 GAAGGAGAGCCATTC LNA 3 + 4 39 42 CCAGGTTCCTGTCTT LNA 3 + 4 40 43 TCTGATCACCACTGG LNA 3 + 4 41 44 TTTCTGATCACCACTGG LNA 4 + 4 42 45 GTCTGTAGGAGGGCA LNA 4 + 3 43 46 AGTCTGTAGGAGGGCA LNA 4 + 4 44 47 TCTGTAGGAGGGC LNA 2 + 3 45 48 CAGATGCCAGTTTTAAC LNA 4 + 4 46 49 CAAAGTATTTGGTCTCC LNA 4 + 4 47 50 CCTTAAGCCATCCATGA LNA 4 + 4 48 51 GTACTGGCCAGCTAA LNA 4 + 3 49 52 GCCTCGATCCTCTTGCGCAT 2′ O-meth 4 + 4 50 52 GCCTCGATCCTCTTGCGCAT 2′ fluoro 4 + 4 51 53 AAACCTCCTTGGCGTAGTAC 2′ O-meth 4 + 4 54 53 AAACCTCCTTGGCGTAGTAC 2′ fluoro 4 + 4 55 54 GAAAGTGGGCGGGATGGCA 2′ O-meth 4 + 4 56 T 54 GAAAGTGGGCGGGATGGCA 2′ fluoro 4 + 4 57 T 55 GAATTGCTCGCTTAGGG LNA 3 + 3 60 56 CGTCGCGGTTGCGTTCA LNA 3 + 3 61 57 CGTGGCCTACACCCTGG LNA 3 + 3 62 58 TTCTAAAGCAATAGGCC LNA 3 + 3 63 59 AGAATGGTTAGAGGTTC LNA 3 + 3 64 60 TCTGAACTAGTACCGCC LNA 3 + 3 65 61 CCCATTAATATGACCTC LNA 3 + 3 66 62 TTTAGTTAGAACCCTAA LNA 3 + 3 67 63 CCTCAGATATAGATAAC LNA 3 + 3 68 64 TACTATTATGGCATCCC LNA 3 + 3 69 65 TGCCCACTTGCATACTA LNA 3 + 3 70 66 AGCGTAATTGGTCATCA LNA 3 + 3 71 67 CGTTGGCAGAACATAGA LNA 3 + 3 72 68 GGGATACTGTCTAGACC LNA 3 + 3 73 69 ATTGGCAACTCGTTTGA LNA 3 + 3 74 70 CGTCAGGCTAATATTC LNA 3 + 3 75 71 GGATGACTCCCTAGAC LNA 3 + 3 76 72 GTCGCGGTTGCGTTCA LNA 3 + 3 77 73 CTCGGTACTCGGTCGG LNA 3 + 3 78 74 GGTTCGGTCCTGCCTT LNA 3 + 3 79 75 AATAGGCCGCATCCAA LNA 3 + 3 81 76 AACTAGTACCGCCTTT LNA 3 + 3 82 77 TCGGTCATATAATAAC LNA 3 + 3 83 78 AGACCGTCAGGCTAA LNA 3 + 3 84 79 GTCGCGGTTGCGTTC LNA 3 + 3 85 80 TTCCACTGCGGCGCT LNA 3 + 3 86 81 AAGGAGCGGTTCGGT LNA 3 + 3 87 82 CTCGGGTGCGGAGTG LNA 3 + 3 88 83 CTGACTTTGGCGAGT LNA 3 + 3 89 84 GATAGGAACGGTACG LNA 3 + 3 90 85 CACTTTGGATTCCCG LNA 3 + 3 91 86 GTCGCGGTTGCGTT LNA 3 + 3 92 87 TACACCCTGGCGGG LNA 3 + 3 93 88 CTCGGTACTCGGTC LNA 3 + 3 94 89 AGGAGCGGTTCGGT LNA 3 + 3 95 90 GTCTCGGGTGCGGA LNA 3 + 3 96 91 TACGGGACGGGCAG LNA 3 + 3 97 92 CGTCGCTCCTCTCG LNA 3 + 3 99 93 TAGCGCTGGGTTGG LNA 3 + 3 100 94 AAGCAATAGGCCGC LNA 3 + 3 101 95 TACGGGCATGCTCC LNA 3 + 3 102 96 AGGCGCGGGATAGG LNA 3 + 3 103 97 TTTGGATTCCCGCC LNA 3 + 3 104 98 ACCACTAGAGCACC LNA 3 + 3 105 99 GCGTTGGCAGAACA LNA 3 + 3 106 100 TTGCTCGCTTAGG LNA 2 + 3 107 101 GTCGCGGTTGCGT LNA 3 + 2 108 102 GGCGCTCGGTACT LNA 2 + 3 109 103 ATCTGAACTCGGC LNA 3 + 2 110 104 CGGTTGGTCTGTT LNA 2 + 3 113 105 TCCACCCTAGATC LNA 2 + 3 114 106 CTAGTACCGCCTT LNA 2 + 3 115 107 GGTCGGCAGTCAA LNA 3 + 2 116 108 CTTGCGACACCC LNA 2 + 2 117 109 GAGCGGTTCGGT LNA 2 + 2 118 110 ACACAGTAGTGCAT LNA 2 + 2 120 111 GGGTCTGTAGAAAG LNA 2 + 2 122 111 GGGTCTGTAGAAAG LNA 3 + TEG 154 112 GGTTGGAGATGTTA LNA 2 + 2 123 112 GGTTGGAGATGTTA LNA 3 + TEG 155 113 TGGGTTGGAGATGT LNA 2 + 2 124 113 TGGGTTGGAGATGT LNA 3 + TEG 156 114 GCTGGGTTGGAGAT LNA 2 + 2 125 114 GCTGGGTTGGAGAT LNA 3 + TEG 157 115 GCGCTGGGTTGGAG LNA 2 + 2 126 115 GCGCTGGGTTGGAG LNA 3 + TEG 158 116 AGCGCTGGGTTGGA LNA 2 + 2 127 116 AGCGCTGGGTTGGA LNA 3 + TEG 159 117 TAGCGCTGGGTTGG LNA 2 + 2 128 117 TAGCGCTGGGTTGG LNA 3 + TEG 160 118 GTAGCGCTGGGTTG LNA 2 + 2 129 118 GTAGCGCTGGGTTG LNA 3 + TEG 161 119 GATGTAGCGCTGGG LNA 2 + 2 130 119 GATGTAGCGCTGGG LNA 3 + TEG 162 120 CCATTCGCCTTCTG LNA 2 + 2 131 120 CCATTCGCCTTCTG LNA 3 + TEG 163 121 GAGAGCCATTCGCC LNA 2 + 2 132 121 GAGAGCCATTCGCC LNA 3 + TEG 164 122 AGCAGGGACAGTGT LNA 2 + 2 133 122 AGCAGGGACAGTGT LNA 3 + TEG 165 123 GCAGGAGATGTGGG LNA 2 + 2 134 123 GCAGGAGATGTGGG LNA 3 + TEG 166 124 CGGTTGGTCTGTTG LNA 2 + 2 135 124 CGGTTGGTCTGTTG LNA 3 + TEG 167 125 CCGGTTGGTCTGTT LNA 2 + 2 136 125 CCGGTTGGTCTGTT LNA 3 + TEG 168 126 GCCGGTTGGTCTGT LNA 2 + 2 137 126 GCCGGTTGGTCTGT LNA 3 + TEG 169 127 AGTTGGCATTGTAC LNA 2 + 2 138 127 AGTTGGCATTGTAC LNA 3 + TEG 170 128 GGTTAGAGGTTCTA LNA 2 + 2 139 128 GGTTAGAGGTTCTA LNA 3 + TEG 171 129 ATGGTTAGAGGTTC LNA 2 + 2 140 129 ATGGTTAGAGGTTC LNA 3 + TEG 172 130 AGAATGGTTAGAGG LNA 2 + 2 141 130 AGAATGGTTAGAGG LNA 3 + TEG 173 131 AGAGAATGGTTAGA LNA 2 + 2 142 131 AGAGAATGGTTAGA LNA 3 + TEG 174 132 CGTTGTCGTCGTCA LNA 2 + 2 143 132 CGTTGTCGTCGTCA LNA 3 + TEG 175 133 ACCAAGGCTCTCTT LNA 2 + 2 144 133 ACCAAGGCTCTCTT LNA 3 + TEG 176 134 GCTTCTTGTCTCTC LNA 2 + 2 145 134 GCTTCTTGTCTCTC LNA 3 + TEG 177 135 GGAACGGTACGTAC LNA 2 + 2 146 135 GGAACGGTACGTAC LNA 3 + TEG 178 136 TAGGAACGGTACGT LNA 2 + 2 147 136 TAGGAACGGTACGT LNA 3 + TEG 179 137 GGGATAGGAACGGT LNA 2 + 2 148 137 GGGATAGGAACGGT LNA 3 + TEG 180 138 CGCGGGATAGGAAC LNA 2 + 2 149 138 CGCGGGATAGGAAC LNA 3 + TEG 181 139 AGGCGCGGGATAGG LNA 2 + 2 150 139 AGGCGCGGGATAGG LNA 3 + TEG 182 140 GTCAAGCTGGATGG LNA 2 + 2 151 140 GTCAAGCTGGATGG LNA 3 + TEG 183 141 TCTGTAGGAGGGC ENA 2 + 3 184 142 GACCAGATGCAGGA ENA 3 + 3 185 143 CTCCTTGGCGTAGTA ENA 3 + 3 186 144 CCTCCTTGGCGTAGTA ENA 3 + 3 187 145 CAGATGCCAGTTTTAAC ENA 4 + 4 188 146 AGCGTAATTGGTCATCA ENA 3 + 3 189 147 AGTATTTGGTCTCC LNA 3 + 3 190 or M12- ASPH47 148 AAGTATTTGGTCTC LNA 3 + 3 191 or M9- ASPH47 149 AAGTATTTGGTCTCC LNA 3 + 3 192 or M8- ASPH47 150 CAAAGTATTTGGTCTCC LNA 3 + 3 193 151 AGCTCGTCCCTCCTCCC LNA 3 + 3 1000 152 GAGGGCTGGTCCGGAAT LNA 3 + 3 1001 153 CGAGGGCTGGTCCGGAA LNA 3 + 3 1002 154 GAGGGCGGCATGGGGGA LNA 3 + 3 1003 155 GCGGGTGCTGTTGTACA LNA 3 + 3 1004 156 CGCGGGTGCTGTTGTAC LNA 3 + 3 1005 157 GTCGCGGGTGCTGTTGT LNA 3 + 3 1006 158 GGTCGCGGGTGCTGTTG LNA 3 + 3 1007 159 CCGGTCGCGGGTGCTGT LNA 3 + 3 1008 160 CCCGGTCGCGGGTGCTG LNA 3 + 3 1009 161 AGCACGCGGGTGACCTC LNA 3 + 3 1010 162 TTAGCACGCGGGTGACC LNA 3 + 3 1011 163 GGGCTCGTGGATCCACT LNA 3 + 3 1012 164 CCTTGGGCTCGTGGATC LNA 3 + 3 1013 165 TGGCATGGTAGCCCTTG LNA 3 + 3 1014 166 CGAGGGCTGGTCCGGA LNA 3 + 3 1015 167 GCGGGTGCTGTTGTAC LNA 3 + 3 1016 168 GCACGCGGGTGACCTC LNA 3 + 3 1017 169 CCTTGGGCTCGTGGAT LNA 3 + 3 1018 170 GGCATGGTAGCCCTTG LNA 3 + 3 1019 171 GGGTGCTGTTGTAC LNA 3 + 3 1020 172 TCGCGGGTGCTGTT LNA 3 + 3 1021 173 GTCGCGGGTGCTGT LNA 3 + 3 1022 174 CTCGTGGATCCACT LNA 3 + 3 1023 175 ATGGTAGCCCTTGG LNA 3 + 3 1024 176 TGGCATGGTAGCCC LNA 3 + 3 1025 177 GAAGTTGGCATGGT LNA 3 + 3 1026 178 TCGCGGGTGCTGT LNA 2 + 3 1027 179 CACCCGGTCGCGG LNA 2 + 3 1028 180 CCACCCGGTCGCG LNA 2 + 3 1029 181 CGCCAGGAATTGT LNA 3 + 2 1030 182 GGCTCGTGGATCC LNA 2 + 3 1031 183 TGGGCTCGTGGAT LNA 2 + 3 1032 184 GCATGGTAGCCCT LNA 2 + 3 1033 185 AGTTGGCATGGTA LNA 2 + 3 1034 186 TTGCAGGAGCGCA LNA 2 + 3 1035 187 ATTAGCACGCGGGTGAC LNA 3 + 3 1036 188 ACCATTAGCACGCGGGT LNA 3 + 3 1037 189 CACCATTAGCACGCGGG LNA 3 + 3 1038 190 CCACCATTAGCACGCGG LNA 3 + 3 1039 191 TCCACCATTAGCACGCG LNA 3 + 3 1040 192 TCCACCTTGGGCTTGCG LNA 3 + 3 1041 193 TTAGCACGCGGGTGAC LNA 3 + 3 1042 194 ACCATTAGCACGCGGG LNA 3 + 3 1043 195 CACCATTAGCACGCGG LNA 3 + 3 1044 196 CACCATTAGCACGCG LNA 3 + 3 1045 197 GCGGCACGCAGCACG LNA 3 + 3 1046 198 TCGATGCGCTTCCG LNA 3 + 3 1047 199 TAGCACGCGGGTGA LNA 3 + 3 1048 200 ATTAGCACGCGGGT LNA 3 + 3 1049 201 CATTAGCACGCGGG LNA 3 + 3 1050 202 ACCATTAGCACGCG LNA 3 + 3 1051 203 CACCATTAGCACGC LNA 3 + 3 1052 204 CCACCATTAGCACG LNA 3 + 3 1053 205 TCCACCATTAGCAC LNA 3 + 3 1054 206 GACCTTGCTGTACT LNA 3 + 3 1055 207 GGACCTTGCTGTAC LNA 3 + 3 1056 208 AGGACCTTGCTGTA LNA 3 + 3 1057 209 CGGCACGCAGCACG LNA 3 + 3 1058 210 ACCTTGGGCTTGCG LNA 3 + 3 1059 211 TTAGCACGCGGGT LNA 3 + 2 1060 212 ACCATTAGCACGC LNA 3 + 2 1061 213 CGGCACGCAGCAC LNA 3 + 2 1062 214 CACCAGCTCCATGTCGA LNA 3 + 3 1063 215 TCGCGGGTGCTGTTGTA LNA 3 + 3 1064 216 GTGTCCAGGCTCCAAAT LNA 3 + 3 1065 216 GTGTCCAGGCTCCAAAT LNA 4 + 2 1066 217 GCTCGTCCCTCCTCCC LNA 3 + 3 1067 218 ACCAGCTCGTCCCTCC LNA 3 + 3 1068 219 GGAGGCCCCGCCCCTG LNA 3 + 3 1069 220 CATGGGGGAGGCGGCG LNA 3 + 3 1070 220 CATGGGGGAGGCGGCG 3LNA + 9N + 1LNA + 1071 1N + 2LNA 221 ACCAGCTCCATGTCGA LNA 3 + 3 1072 222 GGTCGCGGGTGCTGTT LNA 3 + 3 1073 223 GGACCTTGCTGTACTG LNA 3 + 3 1074 223 GGACCTTGCTGTACTG LNA 4 + 2 1075 224 TCCACCTTGGGCTTGC LNA 3 + 3 1076 225 AGCTCGTCCCTCCTC LNA 3 + 3 1077 226 CCAGCTCGTCCCTCC LNA 3 + 3 1078 227 GAGGGCTGGTCCGGA LNA 3 + 3 1079 228 TCCCGAGGGCTGGTC LNA 3 + 3 1080 229 CGGCATGGGGGAGGC LNA 2 + 4 1081 230 CAGCTCCATGTCGAT LNA 3 + 3 1082 231 ACCAGCTCCATGTCG LNA 3 + 3 1083 232 TCGCGGGTGCTGTTG LNA 3 + 3 1084 233 GTCGCGGGTGCTGTT LNA 3 + 3 1085 234 GGTCGCGGGTGCTGT LNA 3 + 3 1086 235 AGCACGCGGGTGACC LNA 3 + 3 1087 236 TAGCACGCGGGTGAC LNA 3 + 3 1088 237 CATTAGCACGCGGGT LNA 3 + 3 1089 238 TCCACCATTAGCACG LNA 3 + 3 1090 239 CCAGGAATTGTTGCT LNA 4 + 2 1091 240 TTGGGCTCGTGGATC LNA 3 + 3 1092 241 CTTGGGCTCGTGGAT LNA 3 + 3 1093 242 TTGGCATGGTAGCCC LNA 3 + 3 1094 243 GAAGTTGGCATGGTA LNA 3 + 3 1095 244 AGAAGTTGGCATGGT LNA 3 + 3 1096 245 TGTCCAGGCTCCAAA LNA 4 + 2 1097 246 AGGACCTTGCTGTAC LNA 3 + 3 1098 247 CACCTTGGGCTTGCG LNA 4 + 2 1099 247 CACCTTGGGCTTGCG 1LNA + 1N + 2LNA + 1100 8N + 1LNA + 1N + 1LNA 248 AGCTCGTCCCTCCT LNA 3 + 3 1101 249 CAGCTCGTCCCTCC LNA 3 + 3 1102 250 ACCAGCTCGTCCCT LNA 3 + 3 1103 251 CCCGAGGGCTGGTC LNA 3 + 3 1104 252 GCGGCATGGGGGAG LNA 2 + 4 1105 253 GTCTTGCAGGTGGA LNA 3 + 3 1106 254 TCGATGCGCTTCCG LNA 2 + 4 1107 254 TCGATGCGCTTCCG LNA 2 + 3 1108 254 TCGATGCGCTTCCG 2LNA + 8N + 2LNA + 1109 1N + 1LNA 254 TCGATGCGCTTCCG 2LNA + 9N + 1LNA + 1110 1N + 1LNA 254 TCGATGCGCTTCCG 2LNA + 8N + 1LNA + 1111 2N + 1LNA 255 GGACAGGATCTGGC LNA 4 + 2 1112 256 ACCTCCCCCTGGCT LNA 3 + 3 1113 257 ACCATTAGCACGCG LNA 4 + 2 1114 257 ACCATTAGCACGCG 3LNA + 8N + 1LNA + 1115 1N + 1LNA 258 CAGCAGTTCTTCTC LNA 2 + 4 1116 259 TACAGCTGCCGCAC LNA 3 + 3 1117 260 AGTTGGCATGGTAG LNA 3 + 3 1118 260 AGTTGGCATGGTAG LNA 4 + 2 1119 261 AAGTTGGCATGGTA LNA 3 + 3 1120 262 GAAGTTGGCATGGT LNA 4 + 2 1121 263 TCCAGGCTCCAAAT LNA 3 + 3 1122 264 ACCTTGCTGTACTG LNA 3 + 3 1123 264 ACCTTGGGCTTGCG LNA 4 + 2 1124 264 ACCTTGGGCTTGCG LNA 3 + 2 1125 264 ACCTTGGGCTTGCG 3LNA + 8N + 1LNA + 1126 1N + 1LNA 264 ACCTTGGGCTTGCG 2LNA + 9N + 1LNA + 1127 1N + 1LNA 264 ACCTTGGGCTTGCG 2LNA + 8N + 2LNA + 1128 1N + 1LNA 265 TTGCAGGAGCGCAC LNA 3 + 3 1129 266 GCAGAAGTTGGCAT LNA 4 + 2 1130 267 CGGGTGCTGTTGTA LNA 3 + 3 1131 267 CGGGTGCTGTTGTA LNA 2 + 4 1132 268 CCCAGCGGCAACGGAAA LNA 3 + 3 1133 269 CAAGAGGTCCCCGCGCC LNA 3 + 3 1134 270 GCGTCCCCGGCGGCAAA LNA 3 + 3 1135 271 GGTCGGCGACTCCCGAG LNA 3 + 3 1136 272 TCGGAGAGAGATCCGTC LNA 3 + 3 1137 273 ATCCCACGGAAATAACC LNA 3 + 3 1138 274 CTCAGTATCCCACGGAA LNA 3 + 3 1139 275 ACTGCCGAGAGCGCGAA LNA 3 + 3 1140 276 CTGATGTGTTGAAGAAC LNA 3 + 3 1141 277 TGAGGTATCGCCAGGAA LNA 3 + 3 1142 278 ACTGCCGCACAACTCCG LNA 3 + 3 1143 279 CGGCCCACGTAGTACAC LNA 3 + 3 1144 280 CCCAGCGGCAACGGAA LNA 3 + 3 1145 281 TCGCGCCAAGAGGTCC LNA 3 + 3 1146 282 GGTCGGCGACTCCCGA LNA 3 + 3 1147 283 GTCGGAGAGAGATCCG LNA 3 + 3 1148 284 TCAGTATCCCACGGAA LNA 3 + 3 1149 285 CGAGAGCGCGAACAGG LNA 3 + 3 1150 286 ACTGCCGAGAGCGCGA LNA 3 + 3 1151 287 GGCGTCAGCACCAGTA LNA 3 + 3 1152 288 GGTTTCCACCATTAGC LNA 3 + 3 1153 289 GAGGTATCGCCAGGAA LNA 3 + 3 1154 290 AACCACTGCCGCACAA LNA 3 + 3 1155 291 CGGCCCACGTAGTACA LNA 3 + 3 1156 292 CGGCGGCTCGTCTCA LNA 3 + 3 1157 293 CCCAGCGGCAACGGA LNA 3 + 3 1158 294 TCGCGCCAAGAGGTC LNA 3 + 3 1159 295 CGTCGCGCCAAGAGG LNA 3 + 3 1160 296 GGAGCAAGCGTCCCC LNA 3 + 3 1161 297 GTGCGCCCGAGGTCT LNA 3 + 3 1162 298 GTCTAGGATGCGCGG LNA 3 + 3 1163 299 CAGTATCCCACGGAA LNA 3 + 3 1164 300 CCGAGAGCGCGAACA LNA 3 + 3 1165 301 GGCGTCAGCACCAGT LNA 3 + 3 1166 302 GTTGCTGAGGTATCG LNA 3 + 3 1167 303 ACCACTGCCGCACAA LNA 3 + 3 1168 304 CGGCCCACGTAGTAC LNA 3 + 3 1169 305 CTCGGCGACTCCTT LNA 3 + 3 1170 306 AGCGGCAACGGAAA LNA 3 + 3 1171 307 TCGCGCCAAGAGGT LNA 3 + 3 1172 308 TCCCCGGCGGCAAA LNA 3 + 3 1173 309 TGCGCCCGAGGTCT LNA 3 + 3 1174 310 GTCTAGGATGCGCG LNA 3 + 3 1175 311 GGTCGGAGAGAGAT LNA 3 + 3 1176 312 CACGGAAATAACCT LNA 3 + 3 1177 313 AGAGCGCGAACAGG LNA 3 + 3 1178 314 ATAGTCCCGCGGCC LNA 3 + 3 1179 315 TAGTAGTCGGCCTC LNA 3 + 3 1180 316 ATAGATTTCGTTGT LNA 3 + 3 1181 317 GAGGTATCGCCAGG LNA 3 + 3 1182 318 GCCGCACAACTCCG LNA 3 + 3 1183 319 TCGCGCCAAGAGG LNA 2 + 3 1184 320 AAGCGTCCCCGGC LNA 3 + 2 1185 321 GACGCCGTGTAGG LNA 3 + 2 1186 322 GTCGGCGACTCCC LNA 2 + 3 1187 323 TGCGCCCGAGGTC LNA 3 + 2 1188 324 GTCGGAGAGAGAT LNA 3 + 2 1189 325 TCCCACGGAAATA LNA 3 + 2 1190 326 TGCCGAGAGCGCG LNA 2 + 3 1191 327 TAGTCCCGCGGCC LNA 3 + 2 1192 328 TAGTAGTCGGCCT LNA 3 + 2 1193 329 CATAGATTTCGTT LNA 2 + 3 1194 330 TTTAACTTGAGCC LNA 3 + 2 1195 331 GAGGTATCGCCAG LNA 3 + 2 1196 332 ACTCCGGTGACAT LNA 2 + 3 1197 333 GCCCACGTAGTAC LNA 2 + 3 1198 334 TCGGCGACTCCC LNA 2 + 2 1199 335 GTCGGCGACTCC LNA 2 + 2 1200 336 CAGGAAGCGCTGGCAAC LNA 3 + 3 2000 337 GGTGCATGAACTCACTG LNA 3 + 3 2001 338 GTCCCCTAATGGCTTCC LNA 3 + 3 2002 339 ATCTGTCCCCTAATGGC LNA 3 + 3 2003 340 CCGGGTGCTGTTGTAAA LNA 3 + 3 2004 341 CCTGGATCATGTCGAAT LNA 3 + 3 2005 342 CCCTGGATCATGTCGAA LNA 3 + 3 2006 343 GTAGCACCTGCTTCCAG LNA 3 + 3 2007 344 GGGCTTTCTAAATGAC LNA 3 + 3 2008 345 TGACTCCCAGCAGGCC LNA 3 + 3 2009 346 GTGCATGAACTCACTG LNA 3 + 3 2010 347 GGTGCATGAACTCACT LNA 3 + 3 2011 348 ATCTGTCCCCTAATGG LNA 3 + 3 2012 349 CGGGTGCTGTTGTAAA LNA 3 + 3 2013 350 CCGGGTGCTGTTGTAA LNA 3 + 3 2014 351 CCTGGATCATGTCGAA LNA 3 + 3 2015 352 CCCTGGATCATGTCGA LNA 3 + 3 2016 353 TTTGAATTTGATTTCC LNA 3 + 3 2017 354 GGGCCTGAGCAGAAGT LNA 3 + 3 2018 355 GGGGGCTTTCTAAAT LNA 3 + 3 2019 356 TTTGTTTACACTTCC LNA 3 + 3 2020 357 CCAGCTAAAGGTGGG LNA 3 + 3 2021 358 ATGGCTGGGTCCCAA LNA 3 + 3 2022 359 GAGTTTTTCCTTAGG LNA 3 + 3 2023 360 AGGGGTGGCAAGGCA LNA 3 + 3 2024 361 TGACTCCCAGCAGGC LNA 3 + 3 2025 362 GAAGCGCTGGCAACC LNA 3 + 3 2026 363 GTGCATGAACTCACT LNA 3 + 3 2027 364 GTGGTGCAAGTGGAC LNA 3 + 3 2028 365 CTAATGGCTTCCACC LNA 3 + 3 2029 366 CCCCTAATGGCTTCC LNA 3 + 3 2030 367 ATCTGTCCCCTAATG LNA 3 + 3 2031 368 GATCTGTCCCCTAAT LNA 3 + 3 2032 369 AGATCTGTCCCCTAA LNA 3 + 3 2033 370 GGTGCTGTTGTAAAG LNA 3 + 3 2034 371 CCGGGTGCTGTTGTA LNA 3 + 3 2035 372 GATCATGTCGAATTT LNA 3 + 3 2036 373 CCTGGATCATGTCGA LNA 3 + 3 2037 374 CCCTGGATCATGTCG LNA 3 + 3 2038 375 GATTTCCATCACCTC LNA 3 + 3 2039 376 TTGAATTTGATTTCC LNA 3 + 3 2040 377 AGCAGTTCTCCTCCA LNA 3 + 3 2041 378 GCCTGAGCAGAAGTT LNA 3 + 3 2042 379 GGGCAAGGGCCTGAG LNA 3 + 3 2043 380 CCCACACTTTCTTTA LNA 3 + 3 2044 381 TAGCACCTGCTTCCA LNA 3 + 3 2045 382 CGGGGGCTTTCTAA LNA 3 + 3 2046 383 CCATTCATGCTTTC LNA 3 + 3 2047 384 AAGCGCTGGCAACC LNA 3 + 3 2048 385 ACCAGAGCCCTTTG LNA 3 + 3 2049 386 CCCCTAATGGCTTC LNA 3 + 3 2050 387 GTCCCCTAATGGCT LNA 3 + 3 2051 388 ATCTGCCCCTAAT LNA 3 + 3 2052 389 AGATCTGTCCCCTA LNA 3 + 3 2053 390 CGGGTGCTGTTGTA LNA 3 + 3 2054 391 ATCATGTCGAATTT LNA 3 + 3 2055 392 CCCTGGATCATGTC LNA 3 + 3 2056 393 CCTTTGAATTTGAT LNA 3 + 3 2057 394 TTGCGGAAGCAGTA LNA 3 + 3 2058 395 GCCTGAGCAGAAGT LNA 3 + 3 2059 396 GGGGGCTTTCTAA LNA 2 + 3 2060 397 AGCGCTGGCAACC LNA 2 + 3 2061 398 CCCCTAATGGCTT LNA 2 + 3 2062 398 CCCCTAATGGCTT LNA 3 + 2 2063 399 TCCCCTAATGGCT LNA 3 + 2 2064 400 TCATGTCGAATTT LNA 2 + 3 2065 401 ATCATGTCGAATT LNA 3 + 2 2066

Table 1 shows the nucleic acid sequences of selected oligonucleotides of the present invention as well as the modifications of the nucleotides, wherein LNA 4+4 means 4×LNAs at the 5′- and 3′-end of the oligonucleotide are modified, wherein LNA 4+3 means 4×LNAs at the 5′-end and 3×LNAs at the 3′-end of the oligonucleotide are modified, wherein LNA 3+4 means 3×LNAs at the 5′-end and 4×LNAs at the 3′-end of the oligonucleotide are modified, wherein LNA 3+3 means 3×LNAs at the 5′- and 3′-end of the oligonucleotide are modified, wherein LNA 3+2 means 3×LNAs at the 5′-end and 2×LNAs at the 3′-end of the oligonucleotide are modified, wherein LNA 2+3 means 2×LNAs at the 5′-end and 3×LNAs at the 3′-end of the oligonucleotide are modified, wherein LNA 2+2 means 2×LNAs at the 5′- and 3′-end of the oligonucleotide are modified. Alternatively, some oligonucleotides comprise ENA 4+4, i.e., 4×ENA at the 5′- and 3′-end of the oligonucleotide are modified, or ENA 3+3, i.e, 3×ENA at the 5′- and 3′-end of the oligonucleotide are modified. Further oligonucleotides comprise 2′O-meth 4+4, wherein the oligonucleotide comprises 4×2′O-methyl modified nucleotides at the 5′- and 3′-end of the oligonucleotide, or comprises 2′ fluoro 4+4, wherein the oligonucleotide comprises 4×2′ fluoro modified nucleotides at the 5′- and 3′-end. Oligonucleotides comprising LNA 3+TEG comprise 3×LNAs at the 5′-end and one triethylene glycol (TEG) at the 3′-end of the oligonucleotide. Some oligonucleotides comprise LNAs which are not arranged in a row but are separated by an unlocked nucleoside having for example the sequences 3LNA+9N+1LNA+1N+2LNA, 1LNA+1N+2LNA+8N+1LNA+1N+1LNA, 2LNA+8N+2LNA+1N+1LNA, 2LNA+9N+1LNA+1N+1LNA, 2LNA+8N+1LNA+2N+1LNA, 3LNA+8N+1LNA+1N+1LNA, 3LNA+8N+1LNA+1N+1LNA, 2LNA+9N+1LNA+1N+1LNA, or 2LNA+8N+2LNA+1N+1LNA, wherein “N” is a nucleoside without locked modification. “ASPH” in combination with a number refers to the different oligonucleotides and their different modifications as described in Table 1. These modified oligonucleotides were tested e.g. in experiments shown in the examples. The antisense oligonucleotides of the present invention can be described differently, e.g., ASPH47, ASPH0047, ASPH_(—)47 or ASPH_(—)0047 referring to the same oligonucleotide.

In Table 2 further preferred oligonucleotides of the present invention are shown, which are variations of the sequence and/or the LNA pattern of ASPH47 (SEQ ID NO. 49).

SEQ ID NO. Sequence Modification ASPH 402 AGTATTTGGTCTCC LNA 2 + 3 194 402 AGTATTTGGTCTCC 1LNA + 1N + 1LNA + 8N + 195 3LNA 402 AGTATTTGGTCTCC 3LNA + 8N + 1LNA + 1N + 196 1LNA 402 AGTATTTGGTCTCC LNA 3 + 2 197 403 AAGTATTTGGTCTC LNA 4 + 2 198 403 AGTATTTGGTCTCCA 3LNA + 8N + 1LNA + 1N + 199 2LNA 403 AGTATTTGGTCTCCA 3LNA + 8N + 2LNA + 1N + 200 1LNA 403 AGTATTTGGTCTCCA 2LNA + 1N + 1LNA + 8N + 201 3LNA 403 AGTATTTGGTCTCCA 1LNA + 1N + 2LNA + 8N + 202 3LNA 403 AGTATTTGGTCTCCA LNA 3 + 2 203 403 AGTATTTGGTCTCCA LNA 2 + 3 204 403 AGTATTTGGTCTCCA LNA 2 + 4 205 404 AAGTATTTGGTCTCC 3LNA + 8N + 1LNA + 1N + 206 2LNA 404 AAGTATTTGGTCTCC 3LNA + 8N + 2LNA + 1N + 207 1LNA 404 AAGTATTTGGTCTCC 2LNA + 1N + 1LNA + 8N + 208 3LNA 404 AAGTATTTGGTCTCC 1LNA + 1N + 2LNA + 8N + 209 3LNA 404 AAGTATTTGGTCTCC LNA 3 + 2 210 404 AAGTATTTGGTCTCC LNA 2 + 3 211 49 CAAAGTATTTGGTCT LNA 3 + 3 212 CC 49 CAAAGTATTTGGTCT LNA 2 + 2 213 CC 49 CAAAGTATTTGGTCT 1LNA + 2N + 2LNA + 8N + 214 CC 3LNA 49 CAAAGTATTTGGTCT 1LNA + 3N + 1LNA + 8N + 215 CC 3LNA 49 CAAAGTATTTGGTCT 1LNA + 2N + 2LNA + 8N + 216 CC 4LNA 49 CAAAGTATTTGGTCT 1LNA + 2N + 2LNA + 8N + 217 CC 1LNA + 1N + 2LNA 49 CAAAGTATTTGGTCT 1LNA + 1N + 3LNA + 8N + 218 CC 3LNA 49 CAAAGTATTTGGTCT 1LNA + 1N + 2LNA + 8N + 219 CC 3LNA 49 CAAAGTATTTGGTCT 1LNA + 2N + 3LNA + 8N + 220 CC 2LNA 49 CAAAGTATTTGGTCT 1LNA + 2N + 3LNA + 8N + 221 CC 1LNA + 1N + 1LNA 49 CAAAGTATTTGGTCT LNA 3 + TEG 222 CC-TEG 49 CAAAGTATTTGGTCT LNA 4 + TEG 223 CC-TEG 405 CAAAGTATTTGGTCT LNA 4 + 3 M1- C ASPH47 406 CAAAGTATTTGGTCT LNA 4 + 2 M2- ASPH47 407 CAAAGTATTTGGTC LNA 4 + 1 M3- ASPH47 408 AAAGTATTTGGTCTC LNA 3 + 4 M4- C ASPH47 409 AAAGTATTTGGTCTC LNA 3 + 3 M5- ASPH47 410 AAAGTATTTGGTCT LNA 3 + 2 M6- ASPH47 411 AAAGTATTTGGTC LNA 3 + 1 M7- ASPH47 412 AAGTATTTGGTCT LNA 2 + 2 M10- ASPH47 413 AAGTATTTGGTC LNA 2 + 1 M11- ASPH47 414 AGTATTTGGTCTC LNA 1 + 3 M13- ASPH47 415 AGTATTTGGTCT LNA 1 + 2 M14- ASPH47 416 AGTATTTGGTC LNA 1 + 1 M15- ASPH47

The description of the modifications in Table 2 corresponds to the description provided in Table 1; in addition, LNA nucleosides are indicated in the sequence in bold letters, and triethylene glycol is abbreviated as TEG in Table 2.

For the purpose of clarity and a concise description, features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention may include embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described.

The following examples will serve to further illustrate the present invention without, at the same time, however, constituting any limitation thereof. On the contrary, it is to be clearly understood that the scope of the present invention refers to various other embodiments, modifications, and equivalents thereof which, after reading the description herein, may suggest themselves to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

EXAMPLES

In the following examples, the effect of the oligonucleotides listed in Tables 1 and 2 have been tested in view of the reduction and inhibition, respectively, of TGF-beta1 and/or TGF-beta2 expression. SEQ ID NO. 144 (T-LNA: CGGCATGTCTATTTTGTA, wherein 3× nucleotides at the 5′- and 3′-end are LNAs) and SEQ ID NO. 145 (scr-LNA: CGTTTAGGCTATGTACTT, wherein 3× nucleotides at the 5′- and 3′-end are LNAs) are used as control oligonucleotides, wherein SEQ ID NO. 145 (negative control) is the scrambled form of SEQ ID NO. 144 (positive control). The cells were either transfected in the presence of a transfecting agent (e.g., Lipofectamine), or in the absence of any transfecting agent (gymnotic transfection or unassisted transfection or gymnotic delivery). As in case of a gymnotic transfection the entry of the oligonucleotide into the cell solely depends on the interaction of the oligonucleotide and the cell, and no compound supports the entry, gymnotic transfection reflects better conditions of the in vivo experimental settings.

Example 1

Human A172 glioma cells were transfected with 10 nM of ASPH01, ASPH02, ASPH03, ASPH04, ASPH05, ASPH06, ASPH07, ASPH08, ASPH09, ASPH10, ASPH11, ASPH12, ASPH13, ASPH14, ASPH15, ASPH16, ASPH17, ASPH18, ASPH19, ASPH20, ASPH21, ASPH22, ASPH24, ASPH25, ASPH26, ASPH27, ASPH29, ASPH30, ASPH31, ASPH32, ASPH33, ASPH34, ASPH35, ASPH36, ASPH37, ASPH38, ASPH39, ASPH40, ASPH41, ASPH42, ASPH43, ASPH44, ASPH45, ASPH46, ASPH47, ASPH48, ASPH49, ASPH50, ASPH51, ASPH52, ASPH53, and ASPH54 (see FIG. 5 a); ASPH36, ASPH60, ASPH61, ASPH62, ASPH63, ASPH64, ASPH65, ASPH66, ASPH67, ASPH68, ASPH69, ASPH70, ASPH71, ASPH72, ASPH73, ASPH74, ASPH75, ASPH76, ASPH77, ASPH78, ASPH79, ASPH80, ASPH81, ASPH82, ASPH83, ASPH84, ASPH85, ASPH86, ASPH87, ASPH88, ASPH89, ASPH90, ASPH91, ASPH92, ASPH93, ASPH94, ASPH95, ASPH96, ASPH97, ASPH98, ASPH99, ASPH100, ASPH101, ASPH102, ASPH103, ASPH104, ASPH105, ASPH106, ASPH107, ASPH108, ASPH109, ASPH110, ASPH111, ASPH112, ASPH113, ASPH114, ASPH115, ASPH116, ASPH117, ASPH118, and ASPH119 (see FIG. 5 b), or ASPH36, ASPH71, ASPH73, ASPH120, ASPH121, ASPH122, ASPH123, ASPH124, ASPH125, ASPH126, ASPH127, ASPH128, ASPH129, ASPH130, ASPH131, ASPH132, ASPH133, ASPH134, ASPH135, ASPH136, ASPH137, ASPH138, ASPH139, ASPH140, ASPH141, ASPH142, ASPH143, ASPH145, ASPH146, ASPH147, ASPH148, ASPH149, ASPH150, ASPH151, ASPH152, ASPH153, ASPH154, ASPH155, ASPH157, ASPH158, ASPH160, ASPH161, ASPH162, ASPH163, ASPH164, ASPH165, ASPH166, ASPH167, ASPH168, ASPH169, ASPH170, ASPH171, ASPH172, ASPH173, ASPH174, ASPH175, ASPH176, ASPH177, ASPH178, ASPH179, ASPH180, ASPH181, ASPH182, and ASPH183 (see FIG. 5 c), and the controls of SEQ ID NO. 144 and 145, respectively, in the presence of a transfecting agent. The expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA was determined 24 h after transfection. Significant reduction of the expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA is demonstrated in FIG. 5 a) to 5 c). The dual TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 reactive oligonucleotides ASPH01, ASPH02, ASPH03, ASPH04, ASPH05, ASPH06, ASPH07, ASPH08 and ASPH09 show a significant reduction of the expression of both TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA, while the selective TGF-beta2 oligonucleotides significantly inhibit TGF-beta2 mRNA expression.

Example 2

Human Panc-1 pancreatic cancer cells were transfected with 10 nM of ASPH01, ASPH02, ASPH03, ASPH04, ASPH05, ASPH06, ASPH07, ASPH08, ASPH12, ASPH14, ASPH17, ASPH18, ASPH20, ASPH21, ASPH22, ASPH24, ASPH25, ASPH26, ASPH27, ASPH29, ASPH30, ASPH31, ASPH32, ASPH33, ASPH35, ASPH36, ASPH37, ASPH38, ASPH39, ASPH40, ASPH41, ASPH42, ASPH43, ASPH44, ASPH45, ASPH46, ASPH47, ASPH48, ASPH49, ASPH50, ASPH51, and ASPH52 (see FIG. 6 a); ASPH36, ASPH60, ASPH61, ASPH62, ASPH63, ASPH64, ASPH65, ASPH66, ASPH67, ASPH68, ASPH69, ASPH70, ASPH71, ASPH72, ASPH73, ASPH74, ASPH75, ASPH76, ASPH77, ASPH78, ASPH79, ASPH80, ASPH81, ASPH82, ASPH83, ASPH84, ASPH85, ASPH86, ASPH87, ASPH88, ASPH89, ASPH90, ASPH91, ASPH92, ASPH93, ASPH94, ASPH96, ASPH97, ASPH98, ASPH99, ASPH100, ASPH101, ASPH102, ASPH103, ASPH104, ASPH105, ASPH106, ASPH107, ASPH108, ASPH109, ASPH110, ASPH111, ASPH112, ASPH113, ASPH114, ASPH115, ASPH116, ASPH117, ASPH118, and ASPH119 (see FIG. 6 b), or ASPH36, ASPH71, ASPH73, ASPH120, ASPH121, ASPH122, ASPH127, ASPH128, ASPH129, ASPH130, ASPH131, ASPH132, ASPH133, ASPH135, ASPH136, ASPH137, ASPH139, ASPH141, ASPH142, ASPH143, ASPH145, ASPH146, ASPH147, ASPH149, ASPH150, ASPH151, ASPH152, ASPH153, ASPH154, ASPH155, ASPH157, ASPH160, ASPH161, ASPH162, ASPH163, ASPH164, ASPH165, ASPH166, ASPH167, ASPH168, ASPH169, ASPH170, ASPH171, ASPH172, ASPH173, ASPH174, ASPH175, ASPH176, ASPH177, ASPH178, ASPH179, ASPH180, ASPH181, ASPH182, and ASPH183 (see FIG. 6 c) and the controls of SEQ ID NO. 144 and 145, respectively, in the presence of a transfecting agent. The expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA was determined 24 h after transfection. Significant reduction of the expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA is demonstrated in FIG. 6 a) to 6 c). The dual TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 reactive oligonucleotides ASPH01, ASPH02, ASPH03, ASPH04, ASPH05, ASPH06, ASPH07, and ASPH08 show again a significant reduction of the expression of both TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA, while the selective TGF-beta2 oligonucleotides significantly inhibit TGF-beta2 mRNA expression.

Example 3

In further experiments the inhibitory effect of ASPH01, ASPH03, ASPH05, ASPH17, ASPH18, ASPH22, ASPH26, ASPH27, ASPH33, ASPH36, ASPH37, ASPH41, ASPH42, ASPH45, ASPH46, ASPH47, ASPH48, ASPH49, ASPH64, ASPH65, ASPH66, ASPH69, ASPH71, ASPH80, ASPH82, ASPH88, ASPH89, ASPH90, ASPH98, ASPH99, ASPH102, ASPH105, ASPH115, ASPH121, ASPH140, ASPH153, ASPH165, ASPH171, ASPH178, ASPH181, ASPH184, ASPH185, ASPH186, ASPH187, ASPH188, ASPH189, and of the controls of SEQ ID NO.144 and SEQ ID NO. 145, respectively, was tested in A172 cells. A172 cells were transfected with these modified oligonucleotides in doses of 20 nM, 4 nM, 0.8 nM, 0.16 nM, and 0.04 nM, respectively, in the presence of a transfecting agent. The remaining TGF-beta2 mRNA was measured 24 h after transfection. TGF-beta2 values were normalized to GAPDH and oligonucleotide concentrations resulting in 50% reduction of TGF-beta2 mRNA (=IC₅₀ values) were calculated. All IC₅₀ values were referenced to the IC₅₀ value of ASPH_(—)036 (ASPH36) that was 0.33 nM and the results are shown as fold-difference of the IC₅₀ value of ASPH_(—)036 Table 3:

Fold IC₅₀ referenced Oligonucleotide to ASPH_036 ASPH_080 0.591 ASPH_069 0.673 ASPH_065 0.773 ASPH_105 0.882 ASPH_036 1.000 ASPH_046 1.142 ASPH_098 1.182 ASPH_071 1.237 ASPH_026 1.242 ASPH_047 1.303 ASPH_088 1.455 ASPH_185 1.456 ASPH_115 1.545 ASPH_153 1.665 ASPH_181 1.918 ASPH_027 2.000 ASPH_089 2.091 ASPH_102 2.091 ASPH_041 2.182 ASPH_018 2.212 ASPH_049 2.455 ASPH_022 2.485 ASPH_188 2.639 ASPH_189 2.660 ASPH_042 2.848 ASPH_178 3.147 ASPH_048 3.182 ASPH_066 3.182 ASPH_033 3.182 ASPH_045 3.636 ASPH_121 3.644 ASPH_171 3.871 ASPH_005 3.954 ASPH_003 4.111 ASPH_082 4.818 ASPH_037 5.303 ASPH_099 5.545 ASPH_090 6.727 ASPH_165 7.175 ASPH_186 7.655 ASPH_017 8.455 ASPH_001 9.242 ASPH_187 9.990 ASPH_064 10.091 ASPH_140 11.482 ASPH_184 12.224 SEQ ID NO 144 17.212 SEQ ID NO 145 n.a

All the modified oligonucleotides show an IC₅₀ in a low nanomolar to picomolar range, which is markedly lower than IC₅₀ to the control oligonucleotide of SEQ ID NO. 144; the IC₅₀ of the control of SEQ ID NO. 145 was not calculable.

Example 4

Panc-1 cells were treated with 3.3 μM of each of ASPH17, ASPH18, ASPH22, ASPH25, ASPH33, ASPH35, ASPH36, ASPH41, ASPH42, ASPH45, ASPH46, ASPH47, ASPH48, ASPH49, ASPH65, ASPH66, ASPH67, ASPH69, ASPH71, ASPH79, ASPH80, ASPH82, ASPH88, ASPH89, ASPH90, ASPH91, ASPH98, ASPH99, ASPH102, ASPH105, ASPH111, ASPH115, ASPH119, ASPH121, ASPH139, ASPH140, ASPH146, ASPH151, ASPH153, ASPH165, ASPH171, ASPH172, ASPH176, ASPH178, ASPH180, and ASPH183, or the controls of SEQ ID NO. 144 and 145, respectively, in the absence of a transfecting agent (gymnotic transfection). The inhibitory effect of the modified oligonucleotides on expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA, respectively, was determined 72 h after treatment start. Under gymnotic transfection experimental conditions, the oligonucleotides enter the cells and strongly inhibit the expression of TGF-beta2 mRNA. The results of the experiments are shown in FIG. 7.

Example 5

In further experiments Panc-1 cells were transfected with 10 μM of modified oligonucleotides ASPH01, ASPH03, ASPH05, ASPH09, ASPH17, ASPH18, ASPH22, ASPH35, ASPH36, ASPH37, ASPH41, ASPH45, ASPH46, ASPH47, and ASPH48, or the controls of SEQ ID NO. 144 and 145, respectively, in the absence of a transfecting agent (gymnotic transfection or gymnotic delivery). The oligonucleotides were added to the cells for 2 days, after which oligonucleotide containing incubation medium was changed, and further incubation for 2 days was carried out. Expression of TGF-beta1 mRNA (see FIG. 8 a) and TGF-beta2 mRNA (see FIG. 8 b) was then measured and normalized to HPRT1 (Hypoxanthin-Phosphoribosyl-Transferase1). Cell supernatants were analysed for TGF-beta1 (see FIG. 9 a) and TGF-beta2 (see FIG. 9 b) protein by ELISA. Under gymnotic delivery experimental conditions, the double reactive oligonucleotides ASPH01, ASPH03, ASPH05, and ASPH09 significantly inhibit the expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 on mRNA, and likewise on the protein level. All the other oligonucleotides significantly inhibit the expression of TGF-beta2 on mRNA and protein level.

Example 6

In another experiment dose dependency of the inhibitory effect of modified oligonucleotides of the present invention was tested. Panc-1 cells were treated with 15 μM, 10 μM, 7.5 μM, 5 μM, 2.5 μM, 1.25 μM, or 0.625 μM ASPH05 or ASPH36, or the controls of SEQ ID NO. 144 and 145, respectively, without using a transfection reagent. The oligonucleotides were added to the cells for 2 days. Thereafter the incubation media containing the oligonucleotides were changed and cells were incubated for 2 further days. Thereafter (total treatment time: 4 days) the expression of TGF-beta1 (see FIG. 10 a) and TGF-beta2 (see FIG. 10 b) mRNA depending on the oligonucleotide concentration was measured. The dual TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 reactive oligonucleotide ASPH05 shows a marked dose dependent inhibition of both TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA expressions, and ASPH36 inhibits specifically the expression of TGF-beta2 mRNA in a dose-dependent manner.

Example 7

Mouse SMA-560 glioma cells were transfected with 10 nM ASPH01, ASPH03, ASPH05, ASPH09, ASPH17, ASPH18, ASPH22, ASPH26, ASPH36, ASPH37, ASPH41, ASPH42, ASPH45, ASPH46, ASPH47, or ASPH48, or the controls of SEQ ID NO. 144 and 145, respectively, in the presence of a transfecting agent. 24 h after transfection, the inhibition of the expression of TGF-beta1 (white columns) and TGF-beta2 (black columns) mRNA was determined. The dual TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 reactive oligonucleotide ASPH09 inhibits the expression of the mouse TGF-beta1 mRNA, and the other oligonucleotides tested strongly inhibit the expression of the mouse TGF-beta2 mRNA. The results are presented in FIG. 11.

Example 8

Female athymic nude mice (Hsd:Athymic Nude-Foxn1^(nu)) were treated for 5 consecutive days with 14 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg of oligonucleotide ASPH01, ASPH03, ASPH05, ASPH17, ASPH22, ASPH37, ASPH41, ASPH45, ASPH46, ASPH47, or ASPH48, and control of SEQ ID NO. 145 or saline by subcutaneous injection. The day after the last treatment, the mice were sacrificed. Mouse TGF-beta2 mRNA was quantified in kidney tissue lysates. In FIG. 12, data—representing TGF-beta2 to GAPDH mRNA ratio—are shown as a box plot in which median values and min. and max. values are presented (data expressed as n=4, except ASPH46 group n=3). All the tested oligonucleotides inhibited the expression of TGF-beta2 mRNA in the kidney of these mice.

Example 9

In another experiments Panc-1 cells were transfected with 10 μM of modified oligonucleotide ASPH09 or the control of SEQ ID NO. 145 in the absence of a transfecting agent (gymnotic transfection). The oligonucleotides were added to the cells for 2 days, after which oligonucleotide containing incubation medium was changed, and further incubation for 2 days was carried out. Expression of TGF-beta3 mRNA (see FIG. 13) was then measured and normalized to HPRT1 (Hypoxanthin-Phosphoribosyl-Transferase1). Under gymnotic transfection experimental conditions, the triple reactive oligonucleotide ASPH09 significantly inhibits the expression of TGF-beta3 mRNA.

Example 10

Panc-1 cells were treated with 10 μM, 3.3 μM, 1.1 μM, 0.37 μM, and 0.12 μM of ASPH03, ASPH36, ASPH45, ASPH47, ASPH65, ASPH69, ASPH71, ASPH80, ASPH115, ASPH 121, ASPH153, ASPH185, and ASPH189, respectively, in the absence of a transfecting agent (gymnotic transfection). The inhibitory effect of the modified oligonucleotides on expression of TGF-beta2 mRNA, was determined 72 h after treatment start. TGF-beta2 values were normalized to GAPDH and oligonucleotide concentrations resulting in 50% reduction of TGF-beta2 mRNA (=IC₅₀ values) were calculated. Under gymnotic transfection experimental conditions, the oligonucleotides enter the cells and strongly inhibit the expression of TGF-beta2 mRNA. The results of the experiments are shown in Table 4:

Name IC50 (μM) ASPH_065 0.37 ASPH_071 0.371 ASPH_115 0.6 ASPH_069 0.655 ASPH_047 0.78 ASPH_080 0.81 ASPH_153 0.9 ASPH_045 1.21 ASPH_121 1.27 ASPH_036 1.5 ASPH_185 3.05 ASPH_003 3.62 ASPH_189 4.26

All the modified oligonucleotides show an IC₅₀ in the low micromolar or even submicromolar range, showing that they have very high potency even without the requirement of a transfection reagent.

Example 11

Panc-1 cells were treated with 10 μM, 3.3 μM, 1.1 μM, 0.37 μM, and 0.12 μM of ASPH47, ASPH190, ASPH191, ASPH192, and ASPH193 in the absence of a transfecting agent (gymnotic transfection). The inhibitory effect of the modified oligonucleotides on expression of TGF-beta2 mRNA, was determined 72 h after treatment start. TGF-beta2 values were normalized to GAPDH and oligonucleotide concentrations resulting in 50% reduction of TGF-beta2 mRNA (=IC₅₀ values) were calculated. Under gymnotic transfection experimental conditions, the oligonucleotides enter the cells and strongly inhibit the expression of TGF-beta2 mRNA. The results of the experiments are shown in Table 5:

Name IC50 (μM) ASPH_047 0.76 ASPH_190 0.18 ASPH_191 0.97 ASPH_192 0.145 ASPH_193 0.144

All the modified oligonucleotides show an IC₅₀ in the submicromolar to lower submicromolar range, showing that they have extremely high potency even without the requirement of a transfection reagent.

Example 12

Human Panc-1 pancreatic cancer cells were transfected with 10 nM of ASPH05, ASPH09, ASPH1000, ASPH1001, ASPH1002, ASPH1003, ASPH1004, ASPH1005, ASPH1006, ASPH 1007, ASPH1008, ASPH1009, ASPH1010, ASPH1011, ASPH1012, ASPH1013, ASPH1014, ASPH1015, ASPH1016, ASPH1017, ASPH1018, ASPH1019, ASPH1020, ASPH1021, ASPH1022, ASPH1023, ASPH1024, ASPH1026, ASPH1027, ASPH1028, ASPH1029, ASPH1030, ASPH1031, ASPH1032, ASPH1033, ASPH1034, ASPH1035, ASPH1036, ASPH 1038, ASPH1039, ASPH1040, ASPH1041, ASPH1042, ASPH1043, ASPH1044, ASPH1045, ASPH1046, ASPH1047, ASPH1048, ASPH1049, ASPH1050, ASPH1051, ASPH1052, ASPH1054, ASPH1055, ASPH1056, ASPH1057, ASPH1058, ASPH1059, ASPH1060, or ASPH1061 (see FIG. 14) and the control of SEQ ID NO. 145, in the presence of a transfecting agent. The expression of TGF-beta1 mRNA was determined 24 h after transfection. Significant reduction of the expression of TGF-beta1 in Panc-1 cells is demonstrated in FIG. 14.

Example 13

Mouse SMA-560 glioma cells were transfected with 10 nM of ASPH09, ASPH1000, ASPH1001, ASPH1002, ASPH1003, ASPH1004, ASPH1005, ASPH1006, ASPH1007, ASPH1008, ASPH1009, ASPH1010, ASPH1011, ASPH1012, ASPH1013, ASPH1014, ASPH1015, ASPH1016, ASPH1017, ASPH1018, ASPH1019, ASPH 1020, ASPH1021, ASPH1022, ASPH1023, ASPH1024, ASPH1026, ASPH1027, ASPH1028, ASPH1029, ASPH1030, ASPH1031, ASPH1032, ASPH1033, ASPH1034, ASPH1035, ASPH1036, ASPH1037, ASPH1038, ASPH1039, ASPH1040, ASPH1041, ASPH1042, ASPH1043, ASPH1044, ASPH1045, ASPH1046, ASPH1047, ASPH1048, ASPH1049, ASPH1050, ASPH1051, ASPH1052, ASPH1053, ASPH1054, ASPH1055, ASPH1056, ASPH1057, ASPH1058, ASPH1059, ASPH1060, ASPH1061, or ASPH1062 (see FIG. 15) and the control of SEQ ID NO. 145, in the presence of a transfecting agent. The expression of TGF-beta1 mRNA was determined 24 h after transfection. Significant reduction of the expression of TGF-beta1 in SMA-560 cells is demonstrated in FIG. 15.

Example 14

In these experiments human A172 glioma cells were transfected with 10 nM of ASPH05, ASPH09, ASPH1000, ASPH1001, ASPH1002, ASPH1004, ASPH1005, ASPH1006, ASPH1007, ASPH1008, ASPH1009, ASPH1010, ASPH1011, ASPH1012, ASPH1013, ASPH1014, ASPH1015, ASPH1016, ASPH1017, ASPH1018, ASPH1019, ASPH1020, ASPH1021, ASPH1022, ASPH1023, ASPH1024, ASPH1026, ASPH1027, ASPH1028, ASPH1029, ASPH1030, ASPH1031, ASPH1032, ASPH1033, ASPH1034, ASPH1035, ASPH1036, ASPH1038, ASPH1039, ASPH1040, ASPH1041, ASPH1042, ASPH1043, ASPH1044, ASPH1045, ASPH1046, ASPH1047, ASPH1048, ASPH1049, ASPH1050, ASPH1051, ASPH1052, ASPH1053, ASPH1054, ASPH1056, ASPH1057, ASPH1058, ASPH1059, ASPH1060, ASPH1061, or ASPH1062 (see FIG. 16), and the control of SEQ ID NO. 145, in the presence of a transfecting agent. The expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA was determined 24 h after transfection. Significant reduction of the expression of TGF-beta1 mRNA is demonstrated in FIG. 16. The dual TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 reactive oligonucleotides ASPH05 shows a significant reduction of the expression of both TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA, while the selective TGF-beta1 oligonucleotides significantly inhibit TGF-beta1 mRNA expression.

Example 15

Panc-1 cells were treated with 3.3 μM of ASPH05, ASPH09, ASPH1000, ASPH1001, ASPH1002, ASPH1004, ASPH1006, ASPH1007, ASPH1008, ASPH1009, ASPH1010, ASPH1011, ASPH1012, ASPH1013, ASPH1014, ASPH1015, ASPH1017, ASPH1018, ASPH1019, ASPH1020, ASPH1021, ASPH1022, ASPH1024, ASPH1026, ASPH1027, ASPH1028, ASPH1029, ASPH1032, ASPH1033, ASPH1034, ASPH1035, ASPH1036, ASPH1037, ASPH1038, ASPH1039, ASPH1040, ASPH1041, ASPH1042, ASPH1043, ASPH1044, ASPH1045, ASPH1046, ASPH1047, ASPH1049, ASPH1050, ASPH1051, ASPH1052, ASPH1053, ASPH1054, ASPH1055, ASPH1056, ASPH1057, ASPH1058, ASPH1059, ASPH1060, ASPH1061, or ASPH1062, or the control of SEQ ID NO. 145 in the absence of a transfecting agent (gymnotic transfection or gymnotic delivery). The inhibitory effect of the modified oligonucleotides on expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA, respectively, was determined 72 h after treatment start. Significant reduction of the expression of TGF-beta1 mRNA is demonstrated in FIG. 17. The dual TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 reactive oligonucleotides ASPH05 shows a significant reduction of the expression of both TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA, while the selective TGF-beta1 oligonucleotides significantly inhibit TGF-beta1 mRNA expression.

Example 16

Human A172 cells were treated with 10 nM (in the presence of a transfecting agent), of ASPH09, ASPH1047, ASPH1051, ASPH1059, ASPH1063, ASPH1064, ASPH1065, ASPH1066, ASPH1067, ASPH1068, ASPH1069, ASPH1070, ASPH1071, ASPH1072, ASPH1073, ASPH1074, ASPH1075, ASPH1076, ASPH1077, ASPH1078, ASPH1079, ASPH1080, ASPH1081, ASPH1082, ASPH1083, ASPH1084, ASPH1085, ASPH1086, ASPH1087, ASPH1088, ASPH1089, ASPH1090, ASPH1091, ASPH1092, ASPH1093, ASPH1094, ASPH1095, ASPH1097, ASPH1098, ASPH1099, ASPH1100, ASPH1101, ASPH1102, ASPH1103, ASPH1104, ASPH1105, ASPH1106, ASPH1107, ASPH1108, ASPH1109, ASPH1110, ASPH1111, ASPH1112, ASPH1113, ASPH114, ASPH1115, ASPH1116, ASPH1117, ASPH1118, ASPH1119, ASPH1120, ASPH1121, ASPH1122, ASPH1123, ASPH1124, ASPH1125, ASPH1126, ASPH1127, ASPH1128, ASPH1129, ASPH1130, ASPH1131, and ASPH1132, or the positive control ASPH1047. The expression of TGF-beta1 (black column), TGFβbeta2 (white column) and TGF-beta3 (striped column) mRNA was determined 24 h after transfection. Significant reduction of the expression of TGF-beta1 mRNA is demonstrated in FIG. 18. The pan-specific TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3 reactive oligonucleotides ASPH0009, ASPH1096, ASPH1131, and ASPH1132 show a significant reduction of the expression of all three isoformes, while the selective TGF-beta1 oligonucleotides significantly inhibit TGF-beta1 mRNA expression.

Example 17

Either Panc-1 cells (FIG. 19 a) or RenCa cells (FIG. 19 b) were treated with 3.3 μM of ASPH09, ASPH1047, ASPH1051, ASPH1059, ASPH1063, ASPH1064, ASPH1065, ASPH1066, ASPH1067, ASPH1068, ASPH1069, ASPH1070, ASPH1071, ASPH1072, ASPH1073, ASPH1074, ASPH1075, ASPH1076, ASPH1077, ASPH1078, ASPH1079, ASPH1080, ASPH1081, ASPH1082, ASPH1083, ASPH1084, ASPH1085, ASPH1086, ASPH1087, ASPH1088, ASPH1089, ASPH1090, ASPH1091, ASPH1092, ASPH1093, ASPH1094, ASPH1095, ASPH1097, ASPH1098, ASPH1099, ASPH1100, ASPH1101, ASPH1102, ASPH1103, ASPH1104, ASPH1105, ASPH1106, ASPH1107, ASPH1108, ASPH1109, ASPH1110, ASPH1111, ASPH1112, ASPH1113, ASPH114, ASPH1115, ASPH1116, ASPH1117, ASPH1118, ASPH1119, ASPH1120, ASPH1121, ASPH1122, ASPH1123, ASPH1124, ASPH1125, ASPH1126, ASPH1127, ASPH1128, ASPH1129, ASPH1130, ASPH1131, and ASPH1132, respectively, or the positive control ASPH1047 in the absence of a transfecting agent (gymnotic transfection or gymnotic delivery). The expression of TGF-beta1 (black column), TGF-beta2 (white column) and TGF-beta3 (striped column) mRNA was determined 72 h after transfection. Significant reduction of the expression of TGF-beta1 mRNA is demonstrated in FIG. 18. The pan-specific TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3 reactive oligonucleotides ASPH09, ASPH1096, ASPH1131, and ASPH1132 show a significant reduction of the expression of all three isoforms, while the selective TGF-beta1 oligonucleotides significantly inhibit TGF-beta1 mRNA expression.

Example 18

Mice bearing subcutaneous human pancreatic carcinoma Panc-1 tumors were treated with 1, 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg of ASPH47 under various treatment schedules: Q1Dx1-d6 (single SC injection, termination 5 days later), Q1Dx5-d6 (daily SC injection for 5 days, termination 24 hours later), and Q1Dx5-d10 (daily SC injection for 5 days, termination 5 days later). There was a dose dependent down-regulation of TGF-beta 2 mRNA in the kidney of these animals. TGF-beta 2 down-regulation was persistent up to 5 days after the last treatment with ASPH47, even after only single administration. TGF-beta 2 expression was detected by bDNA assay (branched DNA assay, which is a sandwich nucleic acid hybridization method that uses bDNA molecules to amplify signal from captured target RNA) and normalized to GAPDH. As shown in FIG. 23, data—representing TGF-beta2 to GAPDH mRNA ratio—are shown as a box plot in which median values and min. and max. values are presented (data expressed as n=10, except n=9 for vehicle and 3 mg/kg Q1Dx1 d6 groups).

Example 19

Mice bearing subsutaneous human pancreatic carcinoma Panc-1 tumors on both left and right flanks were treated with a daily injection of 1, 5, 15 or 50 mg/kg oligonucleotides for five consecutive days. The tumors were collected 24 hours after the last treatment and snap frozen. TGF-beta mRNA expression in tumors was detected by bDNA assay. Data—representing TGF-beta2 to GAPDH mRNA ratio—are shown as a box plot in which median values and min. and max. values are presented (data expressed as n=5). TGF-beta2 mRNA was down-regulated in tumors treated with various oligonucleotides (FIG. 24). There was no significant TGF-beta1 mRNA down-regulation in those groups (data not shown).

Example 20

Mice bearing subcutaneous human renal cell carcinoma 786-O tumors on both left and right flanks were treated with a daily injection of 50 mg/kg oligonucleotides for five consecutive days. The tumors were collected 24 hours after the last treatment and snap frozen. TGF-beta mRNA expression in tumors was detected by bDNA assay. There was significant down-regulation of TGF-beta2 mRNA in tumors treated with ASPH05, ASPH17, ASPH26, ASPH36, ASPH45, ASPH47, ASPH71, ASPH82, ASPH98, and ASPH105, respectively, (FIG. 25). Data—representing TGF-beta2 to GAPDH mRNA ratio—are shown as a box plot in which median values and min. and max. values are presented (data expressed as n=10, except for ASPH71 group n=9).

Example 21

Human Panc-1 cells were transfected with 20, 6.67, 2.22, 0.74, 0.25, 0.08 or 0.009 μM of the modified oligonucleotides ASPH47, ASPH1047, ASPH1106, ASPH1132, or ASPH47 in combination with ASPH1047; results are shown in FIG. 26 a to 26 e). Negative control is the scrambled oligonucleotide (scr LNA) of SEQ ID No. 145 (FIG. 26 f). All cells were transfected in the absence of a transfecting agent (gymnotic transfection or gymnotic delivery). The modified oligonucleotides were added to the cells for 3 days, which were incubated at 37° C. Thereafter the oligonucleotide containing medium was exchanged with fresh oligonucleotide containing medium and cells were incubated for further 4 days at 37° C. TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 protein levels in cell supernatants were determined by ELISA. ASPH47 specifically inhibits the expression of TGF-beta2 in a dose-dependent manner and does not have any target inhibiting effect on TGF-beta1 (FIG. 26 a). ASPH1047 specifically inhibits the expression of TGF-beta1 and does not have any target inhibiting effect on TGF-beta2 (FIG. 26 b), or only a slight TGF-beta2 inhibiting effect at higher concentrations. Also ASPH1106 inhibits TGF-beta1 expression in a dose dependent manner (FIG. 26 c). The multispecific ASPH 1132 shows a dose-dependent inhibition of the expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 protein (FIG. 26 d). If ASPH47 and ASPH1047 are combined, the expression of both, TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 protein is inhibited in a dose-dependent manner (FIG. 26 e). The scrLNA of SQE ID No. 145 does not show any inhibiting effect on the expression of neither TGF-beta1 nor TGF-beta2, even if the concentrations were doubled (40, 13.33, 4.44, 1.48, 0.49, 0.16, 0.05, or 0.02 μM) in comparison to the individual concentrations of ASPH47, ASPH1047, ASPH1106, or ASPH1132. Results for TGF-beta1 are indicated in diamonds, and results for TGF-beta2 in squares in FIGS. 26 a to 26 f.

Example 22

Either Panc-1 cells (FIG. 27 a) or RenCa cells (FIG. 27 b) were treated with 1.1 μM of ASPH190, ASPH191, ASPH192, ASPH193, ASPH194, ASPH195, ASPH196, ASPH197, ASPH198, ASPH199, ASPH200, ASPH201, ASPH202, ASPH203, ASPH204, ASPH205, ASPH206, ASPH207, ASPH208, ASPH209, ASPH210, ASPH211, ASPH212, ASPH213, ASPH214, ASPH215, ASPH216, ASPH217, ASPH218, ASPH219, ASPH220, ASPH221, ASPH222, and ASPH223, respectively, in the absence of a transfecting agent (gymnotic transfection or gymnotic delivery). The expression of TGF-beta1 (black column), TGF-beta2 (white column) and TGF-beta3 (striped column) mRNA was determined 72 h after transfection. Significant reduction of the expression of TGF-beta2 mRNA is demonstrated in FIGS. 27 a and 27 b. The negative control is scrambled LNA (scr LNA) of SEQ ID No. 145.

Example 23

Panc-1 cells were treated with 10 μM, 3.3 μM, 1.1 μM, 0.37 μM, and 0.12 μM of ASPH47, M1-ASPH47, M2-ASPH47, M3-ASPH47, M4-ASPH47, M5-ASPH47, M6-ASPH47, M7-ASPH47, M8-ASPH47, M9-ASPH47, M10-ASPH47, M11-ASPH47, M12-ASPH47, M13-ASPH47, M14-ASPH47, or M15-ASPH47 in the absence of a transfecting agent (gymnotic transfection or gymnotic delivery). The inhibitory effect of the modified oligonucleotides on expression of TGF-beta2 mRNA, was determined 72 h after treatment start. TGF-beta2 values were normalized to GAPDH and oligonucleotide concentrations resulting in 50% reduction of TGF-beta2 mRNA (=IC₅₀ values) were calculated. Under gymnotic transfection experimental conditions, the oligonucleotides enter the cells and strongly inhibit the expression of TGF-beta2 mRNA. The results of the experiments are shown in Table 6:

oligos IC₅₀ (μM) M1_ASPH_0047 0.3  M2_ASPH_0047 0.49 M3_ASPH_0047 1.75 M4_ASPH_0047 0.95 M5_ASPH_0047 0.85 M6_ASPH_0047 1.49 M7_ASPH_0047 n.a. M8_ASPH_0047 0.89 M9_ASPH_0047 1.05 M10_ASPH_0047 7.75 M11_ASPH_0047 n.a. M12_ASPH_0047 1.58 M13_ASPH_0047 1.91 M14_ASPH_0047 n.a. M15_ASPH_0047 n.a. ASPH_0047  0.348

Most of the modified oligonucleotides show an IC₅₀ in the submicromolar to lower submicromolar range, showing that they have extremely high potency even without the requirement of a transfection reagent.

Example 24

Human Panc-1 pancreatic cancer cells (FIG. 28 a) or mouse RenCa renal cell carcinoma cells (FIG. 28 b) were treated with 3.3 μM of ASPH0009, ASPH1132, ASPH2000, ASPH2001, ASPH2002, ASPH2003, ASPH2004, ASPH2005, ASPH2006, ASPH2007, ASPH2009, ASPH2010, ASPH2012, ASPH2013, ASPH2014 ASPH2015, ASPH2016, ASPH2017, ASPH2018, ASPH2019, ASPH2020, ASPH2021, ASPH2023, ASPH2024, ASPH2025, ASPH23026, ASPH2027, ASPH2028, ASPH2029, ASPH2030, ASPH2031, ASPH2032, ASPH2033, ASPH2034, ASPH2035, ASPH2036, ASPH2037, ASPH2038, ASPH2039, ASPH2040, ASPH2041, ASPH2043, ASPH2044, ASPH2045, ASPH2046, ASPH2047, ASPH2048, ASPH2049, ASPH2050, ASPH2052, ASPH2053, ASPH2054, ASPH2055, ASPH2056, ASPH2057, ASPH2060, ASPH2061, ASPH2062, ASPH2063, ASPH2064, ASPH2065, or ASPH2066 in the absence of a transfecting agent (gymnotic transfection or gymnotic delivery). The expression of TGF-beta1 (black column), TGF-beta2 (white column) and TGF-beta3 (striped column) mRNA was determined 72 h after transfection. Significant reduction of the expression of TGF-beta3 mRNA is shown in FIGS. 28 a and 28 b. As anticipated from the sequences, the TGF-beta1, -beta2 and -beta3 reactive oligonucleotide ASPH_(—)0009 (pan-selective) and ASPH_(—)1132 that has 100% homology to mRNAs of human TGF-beta1 and -beta3 but has a mismatch to TGF-beta2 show significant reduction of the expression of all three isoforms. The selective TGF-beta3 oligonucleotides only significantly inhibit TGF-beta3 mRNA expression.

Example 25

Human A172 glioma cells were treated for 24 h with 10 nM (in the presence of a transfecting agent), of ASPH0009, ASPH1132, ASPH2000, ASPH2001, ASPH2002, ASPH2003, ASPH2004, ASPH2006, ASPH2007, ASPH2008, ASPH2009, ASPH2010, ASPH2011, ASPH2012, ASPH2013, ASPH2014, ASPH2016, ASPH2017, ASPH2018, ASPH2020, ASPH2021, ASPH2022, ASPH2023, ASPH2024, ASPH2025, ASPH2026, ASPH2027, ASPH2028, ASPH2029, ASPH2030, ASPH2031, ASPH2032, ASPH2033, ASPH2034, ASPH2035, ASPH2036, ASPH2037, ASPH2038, ASPH2039, ASPH2040, ASPH2041, ASPH2042, ASPH2043, ASPH2044, ASPH2045, ASPH2047, ASPH2049, ASPH2050, ASPH2051, ASPH2052, ASPH2053, ASPH2054, ASPH2056, ASPH2057, ASPH2058, ASPH2059, ASPH2060, ASPH2061, ASPH2062, ASPH2063, or ASPH2066. The expression of TGF-beta1 (black column), TGF-beta2 (white column) and TGF-beta3 (striped column) mRNA was then determined from cell extracts by bDNA assay. Significant reduction of the expression of TGF-beta3 mRNA is shown in FIG. 29. As anticipated from the sequences, the TGF-beta1, -beta2 and -beta3 reactive oligonucleotide) ASPH_(—)0009 (pan-selective) and ASPH_(—)1132 that has 100% homology to mRNAs of human TGF-beta1 and -beta3 but has a mismatch to TGF-beta2 show significant reduction of the expression of all three isoforms. The selective TGF-beta3 oligonucleotides only significantly inhibit TGF-beta3 mRNA expression.

Example 26 Target mRNA Downregulation in Rabbit Cells

Sequences of selected oligonucleotides were aligned with rabbit mRNA sequences of TGF-beta1 and 2. ASPH_(—)0036 (TGF-beta2 selective antisense oligonucleotide, based on human mRNA sequence) showed 100% homology with rabbit TGF-beta2 mRNA, while ASPH_(—)1059 (TGF-beta1 selective antisense oligonucleotide, based on human mRNA sequence) showed 100% homology with rabbit TGF-beta1 mRNA.

Rabbit Rab-9 skin fibroblasts were treated with 5 nM or 20 nM of either ASPH_(—)0036 and ASPH_(—)1059 in the presence of a transfecting agent for 24 hr. The expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA was then determined in cell extracts by bDNA assay. Significant reduction of the expression of TGF-beta1 mRNA (51 and 77% at 5 and 20 nM, respectively) was achieved with ASPH_(—)1059. Significant reduction of TGF-beta2 mRNA (79 and 80% at 5 and 20 nM, respectively) was achieved with ASPH_(—)0036.

Example 27 Tissue Biodistribution and Target mRNA Downregulation Following Systemic Administration of ASPH_(—)0047 in Balb/c Mice

Balb/C mice were treated with a single subcutaneous injection of ASPH_(—)0047 (formulated in sterile physiological saline) at 5, 20 and 50 mg/kg animal body weight. Plasma and tissues were collected at the indicated times (from 3 individual animals), immediately snap-frozen and stored at −80° C. until analysis with an AEX-HPLC method (plasma/tissue PK) or for measurement of TGF-β2 and GAPDH mRNA levels by bDNA assay. TGF-β2 mRNA levels were expressed relative to GAPDH mRNA expression level in corresponding samples.

The data depict that a single subcutaneous bolus administration of 50 mg/kg ASPH_(—)0047 resulted in rapid transfer of the drug from subcutaneous to circulating blood compartments (T_(MAX) of ˜5-30 min), biphasic pharmacokinetic profile in plasma, with rapid initial elimination phase (within the first 24 hrs), followed by long terminal half-life (FIG. 30 a). It is further demonstrated that a marked long-lasting accumulation of the drug in various selected tissues. The major target organ (highest exposure/C_(MAX)) is the kidney, then the liver, skin and spleen, and lowest in the brain (data not shown). As also depicted in FIG. 30 b, ASPH_(—)0047 remained in the kidney tissue with pharmacological relevant doses (˜50 μg/gr, equivalent to 10 μM) from 24 h and for up to 14 days, with consequent long-lasting and marked suppression of TGF-62 mRNA expression in the kidney tissue, with effective ˜80% target mRNA downregulation observed for at least 14 days.

Example 28

Immunodeficient mice were injected subcutaneously with human 786-O renal cell carcinoma cells (FIG. 30A), pancreatic Panc1 cancer cells (FIG. 30B, C), or mouse SMA-560 glioma cells (FIG. 30D). When subcutaneous tumors reached the size of 100-300 mm³ (established tumors), animals were treated subcutaneously, Q1Dx5, with saline (Mock), control oligonucleotide (Control; 50 mg/kg), inactive oligonucleotides in this context (e.g., ASPH_(—)0065 and ASPH_(—)0071; 50 mg/kg) or ASPH_(—)0047 at 50 mg/kg, or the indicated doses. Tumors (FIG. 30A-D) and kidneys (FIG. 30E-F) were collected 24 hr after the last administration. Tumors/kidneys were then further processed for determination of TGF-□2 and GAPDH mRNA levels by bDNA assay. In these experiments, control oligonucleotide was a 18-mer, 3+3 LNA gapmer scrambled sequence. Results are expressed as TGF-beta2/GAPDH mRNA ratio, and each individual tested sample is represented with median values indicated as red line. Under described experimental conditions (schedule and route of administration), systemic repeated administrations of ASPH_(—)0047 in Balb/c mice led to a sequence-specific downregulation of TGF-beta 2 mRNA in established subcutaneous tumors and kidneys.

Example 29

Balb/c mice were injected with mouse Renca cells into renal subcapsule (FIG. 32A, B) or i.v. (FIG. 32C, D) on Day 0. Systemic treatment with vehicle or indicated oligonucleotides started on Day 7 (FIG. 32A; 50 mg/kg, s.c., twice weekly), on Day 1 (FIG. 32B; 12.5 mg/kg, s.c., twice weekly) for two consecutive weeks, or on Day 7 (FIGS. 32C and 32D; indicated doses, s.c., twice weekly) for 26-27 days. Number of lung metastasis was macroscopically evaluated, and level of lung metastasis was determined by either number of metastasis (FIG. 32A, C) or based on lung weight (FIG. 32B, D). Results are represented as box plot; with median values, upper and lower quartiles, and 90th and 10th percentiles. Under described experimental designs, Balb/c mice treated with ASPH_(—)0047 showed a reduced number of lung metastasis or reduced lung weight (lung weight correlates to extent of lung metastasis) in mouse Renca RCC models.

Example 30

Human Panc-1 pancreatic cancer cells were treated with 3.3 μM of the indicated oligonucleotides in the absence of transfecting agent (gymnotic transfection or gymnotic delivery). The expression of TGF-beta1 (black column), TGF-beta2 (white column) and TGF-beta3 (striped column) mRNA was determined 72 h after transfection. Significant reduction of the expression of TGF-beta1 mRNA is shown in FIG. 32. The selective TGF-beta1 oligonucleotides only significantly inhibit TGF-beta1 mRNA expression while the control oligonucleotide LNA-scr does not affect expression of any TGF-beta isoform.

Example 31

Balb/c mice were injected with mouse 4T1 cells into mammary fat pad on Day 0. Systemic treatment with saline (Mock), pan-TGF-beta antibody (1D11), control oligonucleotide (LNA-scr), or ASPH_(—)0047 started on Day 3 (30 mg/kg, s.c., twice weekly) and continued until D28, when animals were sacrificed. Number of lung metastasis was macroscopically evaluated, and level of lung metastasis was determined by either number of metastasis (left panel) or based on lung weight (right panel). Under described experimental design, treatment with ASPH_(—)0047 reduced metastasis to the lungs, whereas the positive control, monoclonal TGF-beta antibody 1D11 had no effect on pulmonary metastasis in this model.

Example 32

CB17 SCID or Balb/c nude mice (n=3-5, except ASPH_(—)0018 n=1 and ASPH_(—)0037 n=2) were treated with 14-15 mg/kg of indicated LNA-modified oligonucleotides for four or five consecutive days (Q1Dx4-5). Plasma was collected 24 h after the last treatment and ALT levels were determined in plasma. Results are expressed as median values. Under this experimental condition, only 6/48 (12.5%) of tested oligonucleotides induced marked increase in plasma ALT (>300 units/l) indicating liver toxicity. The following Table 7 shows liver toxicity of systemically administered LNA-modified oligonucleotides:

Name ALT (units/l) ASPH_0001 20.5 ASPH_0003 20.0 ASPH_0005 33.0 ASPH_0009 834.0 ASPH_0017 55.0 ASPH_0018 7723.0 ASPH_0022 28.5 ASPH_0026 77.0 ASPH_0027 75.0 ASPH_0035 25.0 ASPH_0036 131.5 ASPH_0037 161.0 ASPH_0041 655.0 ASPH_0045 27.5 ASPH_0046 3199.0 ASPH_0047 42.5 ASPH_0048 29.5 ASPH_0065 27.0 ASPH_0069 32.5 ASPH_0071 23.5 ASPH_0080 34.0 ASPH_0082 31.0 ASPH_0098 33.0 ASPH_0105 40.0 ASPH_0115 985.5 ASPH_0190 902.0 ASPH_0191 36.5 ASPH_0192 49.5 ASPH_0193 35.0 ASPH_0005_C1 25.5 ASPH_0005_C2 35.5 ASPH_0005_C3 25.0 ASPH_0036_C1 34.0 ASPH_0036_C2 26.0 ASPH_0036_C3 39.0 ASPH_0045_C1 38.5 ASPH_0045_C2 23.5 ASPH_0045_C3 65.0 ASPH_0047_C1 35.5 ASPH_0047_C2 30.0 ASPH_0047_C3 29.5 ASPH_0047_C4 52.5 ASPH_0047_C5 28.0 ASPH_0047_C6 33.5 ASPH_0047_C7 37.0 ASPH_0047_C8 32.0 ASPH_0047_C9 49.0 ASPH_0047_C10 32.5 

What is claimed is:
 1. An antisense oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 18 nucleotides of the TGF-beta2 nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 2, wherein one or more nucleotide(s) of the oligonucleotide is/are modified, and wherein the modified nucleotide is a LNA, and/or an ENA, polyalkylene oxide-, 2′-fluoro-, 2′-O-methoxy-, and/or 2′0-methyl-modified nucleotide.
 2. The antisense oligonucleotide according to claim 1, wherein the modified nucleotide is located at the 5′- and/or 3′-end of the antisense oligonucleotide.
 3. The antisense oligonucleotide according to claim 1, wherein the oligonucleotide is selected from the group consisting of GACCAGATGCAGGA (ASPH36), CAAAGTATTTGGTCTCC (ASPH47), ACCTTGGGCTTGCG (ASPH1059) and CGGGTGCTGTTGTA (ASPH1132).
 4. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the antisense oligonucleotide according to claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for use in a method of preventing and/or treating an ophthalmic disease.
 5. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 4, wherein the ophthalmic disease is selected from the group consisting of glaucoma, posterior capsular opacification, dry eye, Marfan or Loeys-Dietz syndrome, macular degeneration, retinoblastoma and choroidcarcinoma.
 6. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 4, wherein the ophthalmic disease is macular degeneration and wherein the macular degeneration is an age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular endma, or cataract.
 7. A method of preventing and/or treating an ophthalmic disease comprising: administering an antisense oligonucleotide consisting of 12 to 18 nucleotides of the TGF-beta2 nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 2, wherein one or more nucleotide(s) of the oligonucleotide is/are modified, and wherein the modified nucleotide is a LNA, and/or an ENA, polyalkylene oxide-, 2′-fluoro-, 2′-O-methoxy-, and/or 2′0-methyl-modified nucleotide.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the modified nucleotide is located at the 5′- and/or 3′-end of the antisense oligonucleotide.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the oligonucleotide is selected from the group consisting of GACCAGATGCAGGA (ASPH36), CAAAGTATTTGGTCTCC (ASPH47), ACCTTGGGCTTGCG (ASPH1059) and CGGGTGCTGTTGTA (ASPH1132).
 10. The method of claim 7, wherein the ophthalmic disease is selected from the group consisting of glaucoma, posterior capsular opacification, dry eye, Marfan or Loeys-Dietz syndrome, macular degeneration, retinoblastoma and choroidcarcinoma.
 11. The method of claim 7, wherein the ophthalmic disease is macular degeneration and wherein the macular degeneration is an age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular endma, or cataract. 